Longleaf Pine
Pinus palustris
- Native to:
- United States
Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus palustris
- USDA Symbol:
- PIPA2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 4700 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Requires fire for germination
- Fire Notes:
- Longleaf pine is highly fire-adapted with thick bark protecting cambium. Seedlings remain in fire-resistant 'grass stage' for years. Regular fire (every 1-5 years) required to maintain longleaf ecosystems and reduce hardwood competition.
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment when sown fresh. Light not required but warm temperatures (20-25°C) improve germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
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