# Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris)

> The long-lived pine of the fire-maintained savannas that once covered the Southeast, with the longest needles (to 18 inches) and largest cones of any eastern pine. Seedlings sit in a grass-like tuft for several years before shooting up, then grow into straight 60-100 foot trees that resist wind and fusiform rust better than other pines. Needs acidic sand and full sun.

Source: https://treerm.org/trees/pinus-palustris · Updated 2026-11-08 · License CC BY 4.0

## Facts

- Also called: Georgia pine, Southern yellow pine, Heart pine
- Family: Pinaceae
- Type: Conifer
- Mature height: 25 m; spread 10 m
- Growth: Slow growing
- USDA hardiness zones: 7 to 9
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Low water
- Soil: Deep, coarse, well-drained sandy acidic soils; tolerates seasonal poor drainage
- Native range: Coastal plain from southeastern Virginia to central Florida and west to east Texas

**Benefits:** Wildlife, Birds, Long lived, Storm resistant, Stores carbon well, Drought tolerant

**Good for:** Reforestation, Timber, parks

**Watch out for:** Heavy litter

## Care

Plant containerized seedlings in full sun on sandy, well-drained acidic soil and be patient through the grass stage. Water the first summer only. No pruning needed. Few pest problems; keep needle litter cleared near buildings because it burns readily. Avoid alkaline clay or limestone sites.

## Where it stands

- **Native:** United States (Also native in: VA (USDA PLANTS distribution)); AL, United States; AR, United States; FL, United States; GA, United States; LA, United States; MS, United States; NC, United States; SC, United States; TX, United States (Native to the far southeast corner of Texas; not suited to Central Texas soils)

## Sources

- https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/PIPA2
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PIPA2
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pinus-palustris/