Slash Pine, (Pinus elliottii), trees and Silver Palm, (Coccothrinax argentata), on Big Pine Key, in the Florida Keys. The Slash Pine is a coniferous native to the southeast United States, preferring humid climates and moist soil. Slash Pine is named after the "slashes" -- swampy ground overgrown with trees and bushes -- that constitute its habitat. It reaches heights of 60-100 ft. Leaves are slender needles 7-9 in. long. The silver palm is native to south Florida and the Keys. It is small, with leaves that are dark blue-green above and silver-coloured below.