Shortleaf Pine & Unique Birds it Attracts
Shortleaf Pine is home to the red-cockaded woodpecker, which is endemic only to the US South-East. The woodpecker crows in old pine trees, leaving holes in a living trunk. This is the mutual beneficence for the bird (which is warm) and the tree (which has been little harmed by the woodpecker digging with great care). If you live on land where a shortleaf pine stands, you will help preserve this species.
Another enchanting animal in and around Shortleaf Pine is the eastern fox squirrel, a rare large squirrel with dramatic furs. The squirrels eat from the tree’s seeds and use the tree’s branches for refuge. They give texture and movement to your yard while helping to disperse seeds for plant growth.
The luna moth, a beautiful and elusive insect, also likes Shortleaf Pines. These moths eat the needles of the tree as their larvae. The beauty of these bright, pale-green moths wandering in and around your yard is an experience of a different kind, and it is one reason you need native trees in your landscape.
Why Add Shortleaf Pine
The Shortleaf Pine serves as a sanctuary for rare animals but is also a good yard plant for its beauty and environmental value. Its straight trunk and evergreen foliage make it a focal point. Its deep roots also help to stabilize soil, making it an excellent erosion control plant.
A Sustainable Choice
It is a robust tree that can grow in almost any soil and under any conditions. Once grown, it is drought tolerant and low-maintenance, so it is ideal for ecologically inclined gardeners. The Shortleaf Pine, moreover, improves the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and exchanging oxygen, leaving it purer and healthier.
A Legacy of Beauty
Plant a Shortleaf Pine, and you will leave behind a beauty and a green history. It’s too long-lived not to be enjoyed by the next generation in its grand splendor and its multitude of wildlife. From exotic species to environmental assets, the tree will grace any yard.
