Life History and Disturbance Response of Pinus glabra (Spruce Pine)
Family: Pinaceae
Guild: persistent, slow-growing, understory tolerant
Functional Lifeform: medium-to large sized evergreen conifer
Ecological Role: Spruce pine grows on acidic sandy loam soils high in organic matter. It grows well on poorly drained areas such as stream banks, swamps, or on moist hummocks. A minor tree not commonly found in pure stands where it often establishes in the shade of hardwoods.
Lifespan, yrs (typical/max): 75/113
Shade Tolerance: tolerant
Height, m: 20-38m
Canopy Tree: yes
Pollination Agent: wind
Seeding, yrs (begins/optimal/declines): 10/20/40
Mast Frequency, yrs: 1 yr
New Cohorts Source: seed
Flowering Dates: late winter
Flowers/Cones Damaged by Frost: late fall
Seed Banking: up to 10 yrs in lab conditions
Cold Stratification Required: yes
Seed Type/Dispersal Distance/Agent: winged/<100m/wind
Season of Germination: spring
Seedling Rooting System: taproot
Sprouting: unknown
Establishment Seedbed Preferences:
Substrate: variable
Light: overstory shade required
Moisture: moist required
Temperature: neutral
Disturbance Response:
Fire: Spruce pine has thin bark and is not well adapted to fire. It rarely is an early colonizer of disturbed areas. However, the wet habitat it occupies rarely experience fire.
Weather:
Air Pollution:
Exotics: