The Special Shape & Texture Of Pinus Palustris

The longleaf pine, longleaf yellow pine, or Southern yellow pine is native to the region from Coastal Virginia, down through Florida (excluding South Florida) and throughout the I-10 corridor, all the way to the Piney Woods of Texas.  

As pinpointed by the USDA hardiness zones map, the Pinus palustris can readily be grown from Zones 8A to 9B.  All long leaf pine forests are found from sea level to approximately 700 ft.  This pine is hardy to about -5 degrees C.

Besides having the longest needles, the Pinus palustris can be identified by each cintaining 2-3 needles (modified leaves) per fascicle.  "Under the soil level" the longleaf pine features a long taproot in its "grass" stage.

Pinus palustris is highly valued for an important component  of turpentine, pine oil, and tar as its' sap is very resinous.  Because it IS so laden with gummy sap, the longleaf pine forest is highly suseptible.

In the home landscape, the Pinus palustris adds a fresh and natural touch to the properties where they are utilized.  In addition, the shedded pine needles are a superior mulch to utilize under shrubbery beds of azaleas, camellias, and gardenias.

Paul, The Wise Gardener!