Pinus palustris aka Longleaf Pine

Taxonomy

Pinus palustris, also known as the longleaf pine or yellow pine, is a species native to the Southeastern United States. It can be found along the coastal plain from East Texas to southern Virginia, extending into northern and central Florida. This evergreen conifer is known for having the longest leaves of the eastern pine species, with needlelike leaves that come in bundles of three and can grow up to 18 inches (46 centimeters) long. The tree can reach a height of 30–35 m (98–115 ft) and a diameter of 0.7 m (28 in), with mature trees standing 80 to 100 feet (24 to 30 meters) tall. The single trunk, covered in thick, scaly bark, can reach up to three feet (0.9 meters) in diameter. Before extensive logging, they reportedly grew to 47 m (154 ft) with a diameter of 1.2 m (47 in). The longleaf pine is a cultural symbol of the Southern United States and is the official state tree of Alabama. Contrary to popular belief, this particular species of pine is not officially the state tree of North Carolina. The Florida Pine, a rare houseplant belonging to the Pinus genus, is also native to the Southern United States. It thrives in direct light and well-draining soil, with regular watering. If repotted each time it doubles in size, it shouldn't need added fertilizers.

Common names

Longleaf Pine, Longleaf Yellow Pine, Pitch Pine

How to care for Longleaf Pine

Difficulty

Caring for Longleaf Pine is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Longleaf Pine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Longleaf Pine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Longleaf Pine requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Longleaf Yellow Pine is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

The Longleaf Pine is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Longleaf Pine as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Longleaf Pine’s native range is South-eastern N. America - Virginia to Florida and Texas.


More info:
Wikipedia