This beautiful pine is adapted to dry, sandy, disturbed lands. It may take some time to establish, then grows rapidly on poor soils. The twigs, leaves and seeds are important wildlife food. Often appears dwarfed on exposed sites, and taller in more dense, protected forests. They are resilient, adapted to fire, and the cones are heat and fire dependent for opening and loosening seeds. Thick, rigid and sharp needles prevent deer browsing.