Kim BrattainFounder/ CEO, Kim Brattain Media · Award-winning Corporate and Documentary Film Producer

How to Identify the Short Leaf Pine Tree | Charlotte Tree ID

13 Jul 2026 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

0:52

In this brief video, Terri introduces viewers to the shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) at the Tugasechi Arboretum. She explains how to recognize the species by its paired needles, notes that the presence of pine cones indicates the tree is at least 20 years old, and shares historical uses of the tree’s sap (as an adhesive and waterproofing agent by Native Americans) and timber (for plywood and wood pulp in the Southern United States). Terri also highlights the tree’s ecological value, providing habitat for birds, insects, and mammals, and invites the public to visit the free arboretum to see the tree in person.

Chapters

Hi, I'm Terri, and I'm here with one of my favorite trees in the City of Trees, the shortleaf pine. The shortleaf pine, you can tell it's shortleaf pine because the needles grow in 2. This beauty behind me is older than 20 years, and you can tell because it's now making pine cones. Can you believe it takes 20 years? Back in the day, Native Americans used the sap for adhesive and for waterproofing. In the South, we used the timber for plywood And wood pulp. But look at this tree. This tree is fantastic. Birds, insects— here's one building a home— and mammals make these trees their home. Come visit my tree at the Tugasechi Arboretum. It's free and open to the public. Come hug a tree.