treeN. America Native

Longleaf Pine

Pinus palustris

$51.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

960 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived tree (300+ years)

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Pinus palustris is a large, long-lived evergreen conifer native to the southeastern United States. It is characterized by its very long needles, large cones, and a unique 'grass stage' in its juvenile years. The species is defined by its remarkable life cycle, starting with a stemless 'grass stage' for several years to develop a deep taproot, followed by a rapid 'bolting' stage of height growth. Its needles can be up to 18 inches long.

Uses & Benefits:

A majestic tree with a unique, open habit and exceptionally long, drooping needles that create a dramatic, graceful effect. The large cones and plate-like bark add further interest.

Historically, it was a crucial source of high-quality, rot-resistant timber and naval stores (turpentine, pitch). Today, its fallen needles are highly valued as a premium landscape mulch (pine straw).

A keystone species of the southeastern US coastal plain ecosystem. It supports hundreds of other species, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, which nests exclusively in mature, living longleaf pines.

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a large, open site with full sun and sandy, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole no deeper than the container and twice as wide.
Carefully remove the seedling from the pot, disturbing the roots as little as possible.
Place in the hole, ensuring the root collar is at or slightly above soil level.
Backfill with native soil and water gently to settle.
Keep the area around the seedling free of competing weeds and grass.

Pro Tip

Be patient with the grass stage; do not fertilize or overwater, as this can stress the plant and delay the bolting stage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full, unobstructed sun throughout the day.
Plant in very well-drained, preferably sandy, acidic soil.
Protect the terminal bud from damage during the grass stage.

Don't

Do not plant in shade or in wet, poorly drained soil.
Do not fertilize; it is adapted to low-nutrient soils.
Do not attempt to transplant established trees due to the deep taproot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Majestic specimen for large propertiesNaturalistic planting for ecosystem restorationDurable tree for sandy, coastal sites

Companion Plants

Aristida stricta Schizachyrium scoparium Quercus laevis Serenoa repens Pityopsis graminifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Longleaf Pine questions

What zones can Longleaf Pine grow in?

Longleaf Pine is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Longleaf Pine deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Longleaf Pine, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

Does Longleaf Pine need full sun?

Longleaf Pine does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Longleaf Pine drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Longleaf Pine handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.