A young green pine tree planted in a grassy backyard with two suburban houses, trees, and a wooden fence in the background.

Long Leaf Pine Tree

1-2ft
$45.95
$45.95
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A young green pine tree planted in a grassy backyard with two suburban houses, trees, and a wooden fence in the background.
  • A young green pine tree planted in a grassy backyard with two suburban houses, trees, and a wooden fence in the background.
  • Close-up of a pine cone cluster surrounded by long green pine needles and textured tree bark against a clear blue sky.
  • Plant size guide showing different plant heights with corresponding measurements.
  • A single pine tree stands on a rocky mountainside with steep gray stone slopes and forested mountain ridges in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • A young green pine tree planted in a grassy backyard with two suburban houses, trees, and a wooden fence in the background.
  • Close-up of a pine cone cluster surrounded by long green pine needles and textured tree bark against a clear blue sky.
  • Plant size guide showing different plant heights with corresponding measurements.
  • A single pine tree stands on a rocky mountainside with steep gray stone slopes and forested mountain ridges in the background under a cloudy sky.
Long Leaf Pine Tree

Long Leaf Pine Tree

$45.95
$45.95
Size

Pinus palustris

The Longleaf Pine is a majestic, long-lived evergreen tree that brings striking vertical elegance, historical heritage, and immense ecological value to the landscape. Named for its exceptionally long, dark green needles that grow in dense bundles of three, this iconic southern native transitions through a fascinating developmental lifecycle.

In its early years, seedlings pass through a unique "grass stage," keeping their height low while developing a deep, robust taproot and a tufted, grass-like appearance. As it matures, it launches into a tall, straight tree featuring an open, irregular crown. Throughout the year, it produces large, woody pine cones—the largest of any pine in eastern North America—and provides a high, airy canopy that defines the natural beauty of the landscape.

The Ecological Footprint

  • Wildlife Sanctuary: Serves as a crucial habitat powerhouse, offering nesting sites and essential shelter for native wildlife, including specialized and endangered species like the red-cockaded woodpecker.

  • The Seed Buffet: Produces large, nutrient-rich pine seeds that serve as a valuable food source for numerous forest birds and small mammals.

  • Fire & Drought Resilience: Possesses thick bark and a high resin content, making it remarkably resilient to drought conditions and naturally adapted to withstand periodic fires.

  • Ecosystem Anchor: Historically anchors vast, biodiverse savannah ecosystems, helping to maintain soil stability and supporting a rich understory of native plants.

The Honest Harvest (What to Expect)

  • The Perks: Exceptionally durable and strong wood, high tolerance for poor or sandy soils, beautiful year-round green color, and a striking architectural profile that elevates any property.

  • The Caveats: Long taproot development during its initial grass stage makes mature trees difficult to transplant successfully. Fallen needles and large cones can require occasional cleanup, and it requires full sun to truly thrive.

Specifications

  • Botanical Name: Pinus palustris

  • Common Names: Longleaf Pine, Southern Yellow Pine, Georgia Pine

  • Mature Height: 80-100 feet

  • Mature Width: 30-50 feet

  • Growth Rate: Slow

  • Lifespan: 100-300+ years

  • USDA Zones: 7-9

  • Chill Hours: *

  • Sun Preference: Full sun

  • Soil Type: Deep, coarse, sandy soils; well-drained acidic soils

  • Soil pH: Acidic (4.5-6.0)

  • Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-resistant once established

  • Flower Color: Brown (monoecious reproductive structures)

  • Fruit Type: Large, woody oval pine cones (6-10 inches long)

  • Pollinators: Wind-pollinated

  • Growth Habit: Tall, straight single trunk with an open, irregular crown

  • Spacing: 20-30 feet apart for groves or naturalized areas

  • Landscape Uses: Native gardens, naturalized areas, woodland margins, and large specimens

  • Maintenance Level: Low (primarily occasional clean-up of fallen needles and cones)

Planting & Care Guide

  • Hydration: Water newly planted trees thoroughly and consistently during the first growing season to help establish its deep root system; mature trees tolerate dry spells well.

  • Siting: Plant in an open location that receives full, direct sunlight all day long, ensuring plenty of overhead space for its eventual height.

  • Mulching: Apply an organic mulch layer around the base to retain moisture, keeping it several inches away from the direct trunk to prevent rot.

  • Establishment: Exercise patience during the first few years while the tree concentrates its energy underground in its grass stage; vertical stem growth will accelerate significantly afterward.

  • Pruning: Generally minimal; prune away any dead or damaged lower branches as the tree matures to clean up the trunk profile.

  • Fertilization: Usually unnecessary in native soils; if needed, a light application of balanced tree fertilizer in early spring can support slow growth phases.

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