Pinus palustris
Longleaf Pine
Pronunciation
PI-nus pa-LUS-tris
Pronunciation Audio
Family
Genus
Nativity
Virginia, south to Florida, in the coastal plain.
Growth Habit
Unique growth habit as plant spends the first 5 to 7 years in a rosette or grass stage. Fast growing lose pyramidal to irregularly rounded tree at maturity.
Hardiness
7
Culture
Full sun and well drained soils. Tolerates hot, dry environments.
Facultative Status
Facultative
Landscape Use
Unusual specimen because of the extremely long needles. Good for coastal conditions.
Foliage
Needles in fascicles of three, 10 to 16 inches long! Needles are soft and flexible.
Buds
Buds are cylindrical 1.5 to 2 inches long. Scales silver-white in color and fringed.
Bark
Reddish brown and deeply furrowed.
Flower
Not significant.
Fruit
Cone 6 to 8 inches long, 2 inches wide.
Propagation
Seed.
Pests
None serious.