Cones , sealed shut by a resinous bond, require high temperatures to open. The winged seeds are the smallest of the native pines and are dispersed by gravity and wind. The effective dispersal range is about 110'-130' or two tree heights. Seeds usually germinate rapidly after release when the 10-day mean maximum air temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Seeds occasionally exhibit partial dormancy which is probably broken naturally by heat from fire.
Seeds remain viable in closed cones for years, but viability decreases over time.
Successful germination and establishment usually occurs only after fire removes humus. Germination and initial survival sometimes improve with partial shade, but the positive effect of shade eventually becomes negative because seedlings soon require higher light levels. Seedling survival may be low if drought conditions follow germination. During its first 20 years, one of the fastest growing conifers in its range. Staminate and ovulate cone primordia are initiated in late summer and then go dormant until spring.