Longleaf Pine
Pinus palustris
Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus palustris
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- More than 40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Bloom Months:
- jan, dec
- Bloom Colors:
- Brown
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Thrives in fire-prone ecosystems
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Cold stratify seeds for 30-60 days. Treat seeds with Thiram or soak in 30% hydrogen peroxide for 1 hour or a 10 minute bath in benomyl solution (5g/L). Use seeds with at least 80% viability.
Establishment: Seeds are typically collected from Longleaf pine seed orchards in Texas, Louisana, Mississippi. Cones are collected in September and October, with seeds dispersing naturally from October to November. Obtaining good quality seeds is difficult. The natural range of Pinus palustris includes most of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast Plains from southeastern Virginia to eastern Texas and south through the the northern two thirds of pensisular Florida. It also grows in the Piedmont Ridge and Valley, and Mountain Provinces of Alabama and northwest Georgia.
Source: npn.rngr.net