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Longleaf Pine
Pinus Palustris
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| Longleaf Pines are striking features of the
Florida landscapes with tall, straight trunks and bright evergreen colors of young trees.
It is considered to be one of the most beautiful pines in Florida. Once found throughout
the state, its numbers have been greatly reduced through human-related activities. With
continued urban development and the suppression of fire, their once vast number are
quickly diminishing. |
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Leaves
The Longleaf’s leaves are its needles that range from 10-15 inches in length and come
in clusters of three. The fascicle is usually greater than ½-inch long.
Flowers
Longleaf Pines do not have flowers. This gymnosperm has naked seeds that are carried in
its cones. The seeds are winged.
Cones
Long-leaf Pine cones are 6-10 inches
long, slightly curved, and armed with small prickles. Cones fall soon after seeds ripen.
Bark
The bark of this tree is dark
red/brown and lies in irregular plates on the trunk. The inner bark is the same color. On
smaller trees, the inner bark may be gray and rough. Commercial use of the bark is for
construction because the wood is heavy, strong, tough and durable.
Propagation
Longleaf pines produce an abundant seed crop once every 5-7 years. Seeds
that fall on bare soil germinate quickly, but the seedlings remain in the grass stage for
an average of 3-5 years while they develop a long tap root. When adequate light is
available, young trees will bolt upward, as much as 3-5' the first year.
Landscape usage
This tree grows well in dry upland habitats. It has a high drought and salt-spray
tolerance.
Interesting Facts
Early Florida settlers used the pitch of the longleaf pine to make tar.
Near the end of the 18th century, the settlers learned how to tap living longleaf pine
trees for the gum which they distilled to make turpentine and rosin. The Longleaf pine
heartwood, immune to decay and termites, was also used for all kinds of colonial
construction, and many buildings made of longleaf pine heartwood decades and even
centuries ago are still standing. |
Longleaf pine.
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Summary
Type: Tree
Salt Tolerant: Medium
Height: 80-90 ft.
Growth Rate: Fast
Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Hardiness: High
Native: Yes
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For more detailed information on
this plant go to:
Volusia Extension
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