Pinus palustris

Longleaf Pine, with needles up to a foot long, is the premier southern pine. It once occupied 92 million acres in a very diverse fire maintained ecosystem streaching from southeastern Virginia to Florida and east Texas. Now very little old-growth longleaf remains but there is a resurgence in longleaf being planted. It makes a very interesting ornamental and always attracts attention when seen outside areas where it is common. Young plants resemble clumps of grass and these turn into fountain-like seedlings which grow into large trees with big cones. Plant in open site with ample space and no competition from other trees.