Form: It grows to 50 - 100 ft. in height and 2 - 3 ft. in dbh. An flat top and irregular bole with scraggly branches develop with age.

Needles:
             

Arrangement: 2 per fascicle; twisted

Length: 1-3" long

Shape: n/a

Other: n/a

 

Bark: It has thin, flaky, red-brown bark.

Cones: The cone scales have purplish tinges (resembling a turkey tail) on outer edge with a small prickle at the end.

Distinguishing characteristics: Look for the turkey tail cone, 2 twisted needles per fascicle, and numerous dead branches.

Range: Southern New Jersey west to southern Ohio south to northern Mississippi and east to Georgia.

Silvics: It is very intolerant of shade and grows on dry uplands and droughty clay soils.

Ecological and cultural importance: Used as pulpwood. Food source for small mammals, Northern bobwhite, and other birds. Can quickly reforest abandoned fields.