Scientific Name
Pinus palustris
Pinaceae
Characteristics
Longleaf pine is an evergreen conifer that got its common name for having the longest leaves of the eastern pine species. The needle-like leaves, which come in bundles of three, can grow up to 18 inches long. Mature trees stand 80 to 100 feet tall. The single trunk, which is covered in thick, scaly bark, reaches up to three feet in diameter. The trees naturally prune their lower branches and grow almost perfectly straight.
Tree Conditions
They prefer sandy, dry, acidic soils and are intolerant to shade and require full sunlight to grow. Longleaf pine seeds develop in cones and are dispersed by wind and animals.
