Shortleaf pine forests and associated habitats once covered a vast area stretching from eastern Texas to the eastern seaboard from New Jersey to Florida. Over the last 30 years, this extensive shortleaf pine ecosystem has lost over 50% of its former acreage, and 60% has been lost in North Carolina, making it a priority restoration species. Shortleaf Pines grow best in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun.  It will tolerate some light shade.  It will also tolerate a wide range of soils but prefers sandy loams. They may grow between 80 to 100 feet tall. The trees have 3- to 5-inch slender and flexible needles in clusters of 2 or 3.

They provide winter cover for many animals. Shortleaf pines are the host plant for the Imperial Moth larvae which have one brood per season and appear from April-October in the south. Adult Imperial Moths do not feed. They also support the Eastern Pine Elfin which have one flight from March-June. Squirrels, other small mammals, and birds eat the seeds.