Longleaf Pines

Hardiness Zones
The longleaf pine can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 7–10. View Map

Tree Type
This is an evergreen tree, keeping its foliage year-round.

Mature Size
The longleaf pine grows to a height of 60–80' and a spread of 30–40' at maturity.

Growth Speed Medium to FastGrowth Rate
This tree grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13" to more than 24" per year.
Sun Preference
Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

Soil Preference
The longleaf pine grows in alkaline, loamy, rich and clay soils. It is drought-tolerant once established.

Attributes
This tree:
Features flexible dark green needles that are up to 18" long and typically in fascicles of 3.
Produces ovoid-oblong brown cones that are 6–10" long and up to 5" wide at the base.
Develops scaly, coarse, light, orange-brown bark.
Grows in an oval shape with upright branches and an open crown.
Wildlife Value
This tree provides food and cover for wildlife, including the now-endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Squirrels, quails, brown-headed nuthatches and turkeys eat the seeds.