Slash Pine Data Sheet

• Common name: Slash pine

• Latin name: Pinus Elliottii

• Genus: Pinus

• Height: 30 m (98 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 8–10

• Conservation status: Least concern

Pinus Elliottii, commonly known as the Slash pine, is a conifer native to the southeastern United States. Its range extends across Florida, Carolina and Louisiana.

This tree is generally found at low lying altitudes, from sea level to a maximum of 300 m (980 ft)

The Slash pine is a medium sized tree, growing to 30 m (98 ft) tall. The trunk diameter can reach 1 m in extreme cases. The bark is dark brown with some plating patterns. The needles are dark green, set in threes and are 9 inches long. The seeds are tucked away inside the reddish brown cones, which are 15 cm long with an oval shape. Immature cones are green.

The Slash Pine is closely related to the Long leaf pine and Loblolly pine, which all share many of its characteristics.

This tree lives to 200 years old.

A popular tree used in landscaping and bonsai.

Pre Germination

These seeds need no pretreatment or stratification before sowing. Fill trays or pots with quality compost and firm down gently. Spread seeds across the surface; around 25 in a 10 cm pot is ideal. Cover with 3 mm of compost and gently firm down.

Keep compost damp, not soaking wet. Never allow to it dry out. Place pots or trays on a warm windowsill or in a warm conservatory. Germination should occur at 1–3 weeks.

Post Germination

Once seedlings appear, keep them in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of damping off disease. Place in a bright location such as a windowsill. Ensure seedlings don't dry out. Water logging should also be avoided; young trees hate wet feet. These seedlings are large and sturdy and will give you little hassle. They can be separated into their own 4" pots at 15–20 weeks; by this stage they are frost hardy and can stay outside all year. Fertilization is not required up to this point. During spring and summer we advise using an NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4 weeks.

CAUTION: Slugs and snails love juicy young pines and spruce. Beware of thieving mice!

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