How much sun does Spruce Pine need?

Spruce Pine grows best in full sun but is more shade tolerant than many other southern pines, so it can persist in part sun or part shade under a forest canopy.

What soil moisture does Spruce Pine prefer?

This tree favors moist, well drained sites such as river bottoms, stream banks, and low woods, and it does not handle prolonged drought well.

Is Spruce Pine a fast growing tree?

Spruce Pine has a moderate growth rate compared to other pines and tends to develop a dense, rounded crown as it matures in mixed hardwood forests.

When does Spruce Pine produce pollen cones?

Like other southern pines, Spruce Pine typically releases pollen from its cones in early spring, though exact timing varies with local weather.

Is Spruce Pine toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Spruce Pine as toxic to livestock.

Is Spruce Pine HOA-friendly?

Spruce Pine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Spruce Pine

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pinus glabra

Last reviewed: September 2026

Spruce Pine is an evergreen conifer of the southeastern coastal plain, often found on moist bottomlands and river terraces where it tolerates more shade than most pines.

Toxicity unknown

Spruce Pine (Pinus glabra) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Spruce Pine as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

360"–720" H × 180"–360" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, FL, GA, LA and 2 more states

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Spruce pine is a tall, graceful evergreen that develops a straight trunk and open, irregular crown. This fast-growing pine reaches 30-60 feet tall with a spread of 15-30 feet, making it an excellent shade tree for larger properties.

Growing Spruce Pine

Grow Spruce Pine in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 720 inches tall and spread 180 to 360 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Spruce Pine is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone, street edge.

Large mature size requires adequate space
May drop pine needles seasonally

Wildlife value

Provides nesting sites and shelter for birds, while seeds feed wildlife like squirrels and songbirds. The tree supports various native insects that serve as food sources for birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Spruce Pine need?: Spruce Pine grows best in full sun but is more shade tolerant than many other southern pines, so it can persist in part sun or part shade under a forest canopy.
What soil moisture does Spruce Pine prefer?: This tree favors moist, well drained sites such as river bottoms, stream banks, and low woods, and it does not handle prolonged drought well.
Is Spruce Pine a fast growing tree?: Spruce Pine has a moderate growth rate compared to other pines and tends to develop a dense, rounded crown as it matures in mixed hardwood forests.
When does Spruce Pine produce pollen cones?: Like other southern pines, Spruce Pine typically releases pollen from its cones in early spring, though exact timing varies with local weather.
Is Spruce Pine toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Spruce Pine as toxic to livestock.
Is Spruce Pine HOA-friendly?: Spruce Pine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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