Pinus palustris

longleafpinefull
(Photo by Marcel Smith)

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Taxonomy (1)

Classification: Gymnosperm
Family: Pinaceae
Common name: Longleaf pine, Southern yellow pine, Heart pine, Southern pine

General Information (1,2,3)

Region of Origin: United States
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 7-10
Growth Habit: Tree

  • Size: 100 feet tall
  • Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (3)

  • Shape: Needle
  • Other: Occur in bundles of three

longleafpineleaf
(Photo by Marcel Smith)

Bark/Stem 

longleafpinebark
(Photo by Marcel Smith)

Seed cone (1)

  • Size: 5-10 inches long

longleafpineseedcone
(Photo by Marcel Smith)

Horticultural Information (1,3)

  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil type: Sandy
  • pH: 6-7

Interesting Facts (1,2)

  • Longleaf pine trees can live for more than 200 years old.
  • Early life stages Longleaf pine trees resemble a clump of grass.
  • Longleaf pine is grown more for its wood and gum than for its use in the landscape.
  • Fire resistant

References

1) Christman, S. (2003). Pinus palustris. Floridata. April 2, 2013, from http://www.floridata.com/ref/p/pinu_pal.cfm.
2) Dirr, M. (1998). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses (5th ed.). Champaign, Ill.: Stipes Pub. Print.
3) (n.d). Longleaf Pine (Palustris). Gardenguides. April 2, 2013, from http://www.gardenguides.com/taxonomy/longleaf-pine-pinus-palustris/. 

Prepared by Marcel Smith as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek