Shortleaf pine

Arkansas Soft Pine (Pinus echinata)

Description

Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata)

A Pine tree, Pinus echinata, native to the southeastern area of North America. The shortleaf pine produces a soft, pale yellow, easily worked wood. It is primarily used for millwork, interior trim, toys, and siding.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Pinus echinata; Southern pine; Arkansas soft pine; North Carolina pine; yellow pine

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Height = 20-30 m with circumferences 0.5-1 m
• Leaves = Needle in fascicles of 2-3
• Cones = 4-7 cm long with thin scales and short prickles.
• Density = 38 pcf
• Heartwood is reddish brown, sapwood is yellowish white
• Straight grained with a fine to medium texture

Working Properties

• Works fairly well with most tools, though the resin can gum up tools and clog sandpaper.
• Has a moderate dulling effect on cutting edges.
• Glues and finishes well.

Resources and Citations

• The Wood Database: Shortleaf pine
• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 612

• Dictionary of Building Preservation, Ward Bucher, ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York City, 1996

• Southern Pine Association, New Orleans LA: air-dry weight = 38 pcf