The most common pine tree in Lyonia Preserve is the sand pine (Pinus clausa). However, slash pine (Pinus elliotti) is also present, especially near wetland areas. Sand pines have short needles, usually shorter than 6 inches, whereas slash pine needles are usually longer than 8 inches. From this spot, only slash pines are visible. As you walk away from the wetlands keep your eyes open for the short-needled sand pines.

Sand pines are short-lived trees rarely reaching 80 years of age. It was estimated that the sand pines on the site were approximately 60-70 years old before the restoration. As sand pines mature they tend to lean but slash pines remain more erect. Sand pine cones are called serotinous, meaning the cones usually remain closed for many years and only open after fire or the death of the tree. The serotinous cones are a survival method, by saving seeds until such time that the competing vegetation is burned away.

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