The Many Florida Christmas Trees

The imagery of ‘Christmas Trees’ in December is a staple in the United States. While the exact origins of the tradition are somewhat unclear, the modern concept of the ‘Christmas Tree’ was brought over from Germany and England in the early 18th century. Interestingly, in Florida, you don’t have to visit a local store for your tree; you can actually get a native Florida ‘Christmas’ tree from the Ocala National Forest by obtaining a seasonal tree permit!

A native Florida "Christmas Tree."

Before you venture out with your saw, we’ll have to lay out some context. It's important to understand that there isn't a single ‘Christmas Tree’ species. Various evergreen conifers, like fir, spruce, or pine, are popular choices due to their dense, low-growing branches. These trees are typically found in cooler, northern climates. However, Florida boasts a few noteworthy native conifers, and just one of them is the right tree to harvest.

Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

The Red Cedar has historically been a popular choice in the southern United States. Despite its name, it is actually a type of juniper. These trees are distinguished by their dense foliage and conical crown, growing between 16 to 66 feet in height. Their size variation reflects their adaptability, as Red Cedars are pioneer plants, often among the first to colonize cleared areas. They thrive in both dry, drought-prone environments due to their long, fibrous roots and can also tolerate wet soils. Their range is extensive, stretching from Maine to Central Florida, with at least two distinct varieties. Red Cedars are still available in Pick and Cut tree lots or serve as excellent “living Christmas Trees” for yard planting.

Florida Torreya (Torreya taxifolia)

The concept of “living Christmas trees” is noteworthy in itself, offering more than just aesthetic value: The Florida Torreya is a rare and exclusive conifer native to the Apalachicola River’s bluffs and ravines. Similar in size to the Red Cedar and with dense foliage, these trees were once prevalent but are now critically endangered.

Known as the Florida nutmeg, the Florida Torreya is a distinct and rare conifer native exclusively to the bluffs and ravines along the Apalachicola River. Unfortunately, its robust, durable wood made it a preferred material for construction, leading to extensive deforestation in the late 19th century. Some of that harvesting was even due to its local use as a Christmas tree. Although early botanists recognized deforestation as a major threat, they also noted the species' remarkable resilience, observing new growth sprouting from old, cut stumps.

A leaning Torreya re-sprouts in its native range within Torreya State Park, FL.

However, a mysterious and dramatic decline struck the Florida Torreya in the 1950s. The population plummeted, with all reproductive trees perishing and only 0.3% of the original population surviving. The once resilient stumps continued to sprout new growth, but these shoots quickly died, trapped in a relentless cycle of rebirth and death. Initially, a harmful fungus was suspected as the cause, but recent studies, including a recent 5-year review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have yet to pinpoint a definitive reason for this decline. The review suggests, “studies have yet to provide a [sufficient] explanation for this species’ decline;” and cites multiple contributing factors, including the impact of climate change on the tree's restricted habitat.

A successful Florida Torreya tree grown in Ohio.

Despite these challenges, there is hope. Botanists have successfully propagated the Florida Torreya using live plant material, and it is now possible to find these trees in select nurseries. For those seeking to steward a unique and ecologically significant addition to their yard, the Florida Torreya still remains.

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

The Bald Cypress, another native Floridian conifer, has also faced its challenges due to logging. Taxodium distichum, is a distinctive species predominantly found in the swampy and wetland areas of Florida. Characterized by its towering height, which can reach up to 150 feet, and its unique, feather-like foliage, the Bald Cypress presents a stately appearance in the Floridian landscape.

From an ecological standpoint, the Bald Cypress plays a crucial role. Its extensive root systems, which are known for their distinctive knobby protrusions called 'cypress knees,' are instrumental in stabilizing swampy soils and aiding in water filtration. The species also provides habitat and food for a wide array of wildlife.

Historically, the Bald Cypress was heavily logged, primarily for its rot-resistant wood, which was highly sought after for construction, particularly in outdoor settings like docks and bridges. This logging activity significantly reduced their numbers. However, unlike the Florida Torreya, the Bald Cypress has seen a more positive turn in its conservation status. Efforts in sustainable forestry and habitat protection have helped stabilize and even increase the population of these trees in some areas.

Despite its impressive stature, the Bald Cypress is deciduous, shedding its needle-like leaves annually in the fall. Consequently, while it holds a significant place in Florida's natural scenery, the Bald Cypress is not considered suitable for use as a traditional Christmas tree.

The Pines

This brings us to the Pines. The most recognizable species of pine in the state is the Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris). Longleaf Pines can grow to impressive heights, often reaching over 100 feet, and are characterized by their long, slender needles and large, spiky cones. One of their distinctive features is their ability to self-prune, shedding lower branches as they grow, which contributes to their tall, straight trunks.

Historically, Longleaf Pines played a crucial role in the ecosystems of the southeastern United States. It is particularly adapted to the fire-prone environments of Florida, showcasing an extraordinary resilience to wildfires. This adaptation to fire actually enhances their survival; regular, low-intensity fires clear out competing vegetation and release seeds from their cones, promoting new growth. These fires also maintain the health of the surrounding ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of plant and animal species.

However, with their unique growing requirements and sparse lower branches, Longleaf Pines would make a poor Christmas tree, but the same can’t be said for its little cousin:

Sand Pine (Pinus clausa)

In contrast, the Sand Pine (Pinus clausa) is a smaller species of pine native to Florida, often found in the sandy, well-drained soils of the state's highlands and coastal regions. These trees are more modest in size compared to Longleaf Pines, generally growing to about 15 to 40 feet in height. The Sand Pine is characterized by its relatively short needles and small, rounded cones. Unlike the Longleaf Pine, Sand Pines do not require fire for their seeds to germinate, making them more adaptable to a variety of environments.

Sand Pines are particularly interesting for those seeking a native Florida Christmas tree. Their smaller size, denser foliage, and low branches make them more suitable for indoor holiday decorations. Additionally, they are quite readily available in the State as pick and cut trees.

For individuals interested in harvesting a Sand Pine for a Christmas tree, the Ocala National Forest offers seasonal tree permits. These permits allow the public to responsibly harvest their own Christmas trees, providing a unique and environmentally friendly way to celebrate the holiday season. Rather than the ecologically unsustainable practices of past industries, the Florida Forestry Service carefully selects areas and size restrictions to thin dense, unhealthy tree stands, opening the canopy to foster the growth of larger pines and more forage for wildlife.

Sand Pines can still get quite large, and are easily mistaken for tall pine species such as the Slash Pine.

If you want to enjoy our Florida Native pines without trying one to the top of your car, consider exploring Hillsborough County's Nature Preserves. With a variety of species, it's a great opportunity to learn and identify them in their natural habitat. For a starting point, visit our 2023-2024 Hillsborough County Hiking Spree page, which offers information on trails and guided walks. Happy Holidays!

Image Citations in order of appearance:

• Observation © Michelle Smith. "Sand Pine (Pinus clausa) - Research Grade." Some rights reserved. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
• Right: Observation © Scott Allen Davis. "Southern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola)." Some rights reserved. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
• Left: Observation © mfeaver. "Southern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola)." Some rights reserved. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
• Photograph © Connie Barlow. "Torreya seedling by photograph of mature example." Some rights reserved. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 International.
• Photograph © Connie Barlow. "Torreya taxifolia leaning in Torreya State Park, with Steve Urse." February 2004. Some rights reserved. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 International.
• Photograph © Connie Barlow. "Growth form of Florida torreya when planted in full sun (Ohio)." Some rights reserved. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 International.
• Observation © Nate Hawkins. "Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) - Research Grade." Some rights reserved. Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
• Observation © Kent C. Jensen. "Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) - Research Grade." Some rights reserved. Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
• Observation © Douglas Goldman. "Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris)." Some rights reserved. Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
• Observation © Daniel McNair. "Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris)." Some rights reserved. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
• Observation © Morgan Freese. "Sand Pine (Pinus clausa)." Some rights reserved. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
• Observation © wanderingeden. "Sand Pine (Pinus clausa) - Research Grade." Some rights reserved. Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
• Observation © Joshua Doby. "Sand Pine (Pinus clausa) - Research Grade." Some rights reserved. Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.