longleaf pine

Plant Type

Large Tree (greater than 25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

60-120 ft. tall
30-40 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Planting Notes

Does not transplant well due to rapid growing tap root.

Plants/Diseases

Stands up to wind better than other pine species. No significant disease or pest issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Acicular needles; 6-12 inches long.

Flowers

Cone bearing.

Fruit

Large cones up to 15 inches.

Bark

Brown to gray in patches. Branches tend to be gnarled or twisted.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Savannahs, woodlands, and forests

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the coastal plain, rare in the piedmont. Reduced to less than a tenth of it’s former range.