Pinus palustris (Longleaf Pine)

Tall and massive, Pinus palustris (Longleaf Pine) is a majestic evergreen coniferous tree of broad upright habit with a straight trunk and short, stout branches forming an open, irregular crown. Its bright green needles, up to 14 in. long (35 cm), are the longest of any eastern North American pine. Occurring in dense bundles of three, they are very flexible, giving an almost weeping effect to the tree. Longleaf Pine is also notable for having the largest cones of any pine in eastern North America, mostly 6-10 in. long (16-25 cm). They persist on the tree for a couple of years. Seedlings stay in a tufted, grass-like stage for 5-7 years after germinating, growing very slowly while their taproot develops. Later they take off at a much faster rate. Ecologically important, Longleaf Pine survives through fires that burn off the competing grasses and weedy vegetation. Useful in coastal landscapes, mature specimens provide tall, airy, fragrant canopies.

• Grows up to 80-100 ft. tall (24-30 m) and 30-40 ft. wide (9-12 m).
• Performs best in full sun in acidic, well-drained soils. Tolerates seasonally poor drainage. Fertilize 3 times a year with lawn fertilizer. Once established, trees are very drought tolerant and require no irrigation for survival.
• Prune to maintain shape.
• Propagate by seed. Sow fresh, untreated seed in late fall.
• Native to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and eastern Texas.