The Longleaf Pine (long needle pine) is a pine native to the southeast United States, found along the coastal plain from eastern Texas to southeast Virginia extending into northern and all the way to South Florida. It reaches a height of 30-35 m (100-115 ft) and a diameter of 0.7 m (28"). Longleaf Pine takes 100 to 150 years to become full size and can live to 500 years old.
The bark is thick, reddish-brown, and scaly. The leaves are dark green, needle-like, and occur in bundles of three. They are often twisted and are remarkably long 20-45 cm (8-18") in length. It is one of the two southeastern U.S. pines with long needles, the other being Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii.)
The scientific name meaning "of marshes" is a misunderstanding when originally the species was described based on the view of Longleaf Pine forests with temporary winter flooding.
The real name is Dade County Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa)
ReplyDeleteOther Name: Southern Slash Pine
I think that our local pine is a little different then the regular Pinus elliottii var. densa