How to identify Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris)

How to identify Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris)

Longleaf pine, also known as Georgia pine, Hill pine, Heart pine

Longleaf pine is distinguished by its statuesque growth, potentially reaching heights of 60 to 120 feet (18 to 36 meters). Its distinctive open, irregular crown is created by short, stout, and sparse branches. The foliage comprises elongated needles, typically grouped in threes, which is a notable characteristic for identification. Additionally, longleaf pine produces sizable sexual dimorphic cones; the male cones display a purple-blue hue, while the female cones are dark purple. These cones are particularly large compared to other species within their genus in eastern North America.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Longleaf pine

Needles arranged in clusters of three, measuring 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in length, with serrulate margins.

Distinctive orange-brown to reddish-brown bark with thick texture, irregular scales, and scaly appearance.

Open, irregular crown with short, stout branches and sparse foliage creating a unique silhouette.

Large sexual dimorphic cones; male cones purple-blue, female cones dark purple, notably oversized in eastern North America.

Gnarled, twisted stem with rugged texture, starting orange-brown and aging to deeper brown.

Detailed Traits of Longleaf pine

Leaf Features

The leaves of longleaf pine are needles arranged in clusters (fascicles) of three. These needles are notably long, measuring 6-12 inches (15-30 cm), and exhibit a pliable texture. They possess finely serrulate (toothed) margins and are a bright green color. Each surface is adorned with fine stomatal lines. These unique features, combined with the silvery-white buds or 'candles' ranging from 3-15 inches (8-38 cm) in length, are key identifiers for longleaf pine.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of longleaf pine is notable for its gnarled or twisted branches, adding to its distinctive appearance. It exhibits an orange-brown hue when young, gradually darkening to a rough, deeper brown as it ages. The twigs maintain a rugged texture, contributing to the unique character of the stem. Typically, the stem can reach substantial thicknesses, indicative of its robust nature. These features make the stem of longleaf pine easily recognizable for those familiar with pine species.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

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Longleaf pine and Their Similar Plants

Eastern white pine vs. Longleaf pine: What's The Difference?

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is a long-lived evergreen tree native to mixed forests of temperate zones in eastern North America. It is considered one of the tallest trees in its native area. Eastern white pine has a straight-grained lightweight wood, highly valued in construction.

Scots pine vs. Longleaf pine: What's The Difference?

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is a native Eurasian pine plant that grows on nutrient-poor, dry, rocky soils. Given the name, it should come as no surprise that scots pine is the national tree of Scotland. It is also important within the forestry industry due to its use for wood pulp and timber.

Mugo pine vs. Longleaf pine: What's The Difference?

Mugo pine (Pinus mugo) is a pine tree species native to Europe. These relatively small pine trees are popular in landscaping due to their convenient size. Mugo pine gives off an aromatic pine smell.

Loblolly pine vs. Longleaf pine: What's The Difference?

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) is the second-most common tree in the United States after the red maple. The loblolly pine has the largest sequenced genome with 22 billion base pairs. Its genome is 7 times larger than the human genome.

Italian stone pine vs. Longleaf pine: What's The Difference?

Italian stone pine (italian stone pine) is an evergreen tree whose rounded, umbrella-like canopy provides plenty of shade. It thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant. Its pine cones produce the popular and delicious pine nuts, a valuable food crop that can be harvested, dried and eaten.

Ponderosa pine vs. Longleaf pine: What's The Difference?

The ponderosa pine tree is one of the most common pine trees. It grows straight and tall, up to 76 m, with a deep root that makes it resistant to wind and drought. These trees can live for hundreds of years and are often used for their wood.

Austrian pine vs. Longleaf pine: What's The Difference?

Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) is an evergreen conifer that is native to Mediterranean Europe but has become naturalized in other countries, where it is planted for ornamental purposes and as a windbreak. The trees can grow up to 55 m tall and are very long-lived, with some specimens surviving up to 500 years.

Lodgepole pine vs. Longleaf pine: What's The Difference?

Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) is indigenous to western North America. It’s a species known for its longevity—botanists have found trees that are older than 600 years. It was a favorite source of timber for Native Americans. The primary way they used it (as its name suggests) was to build lodgepoles.

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Key Facts About Longleaf pine

Attributes of Longleaf pine

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

18 m to 37 m

Spread

9 m to 12 m

Leaf Color

Green

White

Silver

Flower Color

Yellow

Purple

Green

Red

Lavender

Burgundy

Gold

Fruit Color

Brown

Purple

Copper

Lavender

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Longleaf pine

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris)

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Distribution Map of Longleaf pine

Longleaf pine is native to the southeastern region of North America, thriving in its warm, humid climate. Beyond its natural habitat, longleaf pine has been introduced to various parts of Europe and Asia, as well as New Zealand, where it is cultivated, expanding its presence outside its original range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Longleaf pine

A Comprehensive Guide to Longleaf pine How to Grow and Care for Longleaf pine