Editing Pinus echinata (section)

==Description==
The [[tree]] is variable in form, sometimes straight, sometimes crooked, with an irregular crown. The tree reaches heights of {{convert|80|–|100|ft|m}}. In areas that have optimal growing conditions, the height reached is between {{convert|100|–|120|ft|m}}. The trunk diameter ranges between {{convert|1.5|-|3|ft|m}} and averages between {{convert|2|-|3|ft|m}}.<ref name="Mattoon-1915">{{Cite book |last=Mattoon |first=Wilbur R. |doi=10.5962/bhl.title.108486 |title=Life history of shortleaf pine |date=1915 |publisher=U.S. Dept. of Agriculture |location=Washington, D.C.|doi-access=free}}</ref>

The [[leaves]] are needle-like, in [[fascicle (botany)|fascicles]] (bundles) of two and three mixed together, and from {{convert|7|–|11|cm|in|frac=4|abbr=off}} long. The [[conifer cone|cones]] are {{convert|4|–|7|cm|in|frac=4|abbr=on}} long, with thin scales with a transverse keel and a short prickle.  They open at maturity but are persistent.<ref name="fna">{{eFloras|1|200005332|Pinus echinata |family=Pinaceae |first=Robert |last=Kral}}</ref> Shortleaf pine seedlings develop a persistent J-shaped crook near the ground surface.<ref>{{Silvics |volume=1 |genus=Pinus |species=echinata |first=Edwin R. |last=Lawson}}</ref> Axillary and other buds form near the crook and initiate growth if the upper stem is killed by fire or is severed.<ref name="Tauer-2012">{{Cite journal |last1=Tauer |first1=Charles G. |last2=Stewart |first2=John F. |last3=Will |first3=Rodney E. |last4=Lilly |first4=Curtis J. |last5=Guldin |first5=James M. |last6=Nelson |first6=C. Dana |date=2012-06-01 |title=Hybridization Leads to Loss of Genetic Integrity in Shortleaf Pine: Unexpected Consequences of Pine Management and Fire Suppression |journal=Journal of Forestry |language=en |volume=110 |issue=4 |pages=216–224 |doi=10.5849/jof.11-044 |issn=0022-1201|doi-access=free }}</ref>

The [[Bark (botany)|bark]] has resin pockets (sometimes called pitch patches), which form small depressions, less than {{Convert|1|mm|frac=32}} in diameter. This feature can be used to distinguish ''P.&nbsp;echinata'' from all other ''Pinus'' species within its native range.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncforestservice.gov/publications/ShortleafLeaflets/SL-1.pdf|title=Silvics of Shortleaf Pine|date=January 2016|website=North Carolina Forest Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224030434/http://ncforestservice.gov/publications/ShortleafLeaflets/SL-1.pdf|archive-date=2016-12-24|url-status=live|access-date=11 November 2018}}</ref> For example, the bark of a loblolly tree is slightly darker, thicker, and more furrowed and rigged in comparison to the shortleaf pine at the beginning of its lifespan, but when it starts maturing these differences fade; however, the resin pockets are still visible on shortleaf pine and can used for identification.<ref name="Mattoon-1915"/>

The crown is a pyramidal head that contains several small branches. It does not change much throughout the tree's lifetime.<ref name="Mattoon-1915"/>

The tree has very strong roots, and thus it is able to withstand high winds; additionally, the tree can survive in very dry conditions. The roots are able to reach great depths to search for water. It is believed the roots are this long due to the wide range of the species that consequently experiences varying climate.<ref name="Mattoon-1915"/>

Shortleaf pine can be found in a variety of soils including, stiff clay, gravel, and sand. Although the species is not soil-specific, they do not thrive in wet or very poorly drained conditions.<ref name="Mattoon-1915"/>

{{gallery|mode=packed
|Pinus echinata seedlings.jpg|Seedlings for planting, showing {{nowrap|J-shaped}} crooks near base of foliage
|Pinus echinata bark detail 2.jpg|Bark with resin pockets visible
|Shortleaf foliage drawing.jpg|Illustration of tree characteristics
|Ancient shortleaf.jpg|Gigantic specimens, with human for scale
}}