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Pinus palustris
Mill.
Longleaf Pine
Pinaceae
Pinus palustris is a coniferous tree in the family Pinaceae. It has a scattered distribution in the southeastern United States, and is an important timber tree. It is the state tree of North Carolina (FNAEC 1993).
Description
Pinus palustris is a relatively tall tree, growing up to 40 to 47 m tall with a trunk that grows up to 0.8 to 1.2 m wide. It forms an open, dome-shaped crown with slender branches that carry leaves only near the tips. Needles are straight, flexible, and drooping, very long, typically around 20 to 30 cm in bundles of 3, sometimes 2. They are yellowish green with inconspicuous bands (which are stomata) on both sides of the leaves, and they persist on the tree for 2 years. Sheaths are 2 to 3 cm long, and are not persistent. Buds are silky white, large, 3 to 4 cm long, and are not resinous. The bark is orange-brown with gray furrows, broken up into small scaly plates. Twigs are coarse, rough from the bases of the leaves and are hairless. Pollen cones are 2 to 6 mm, purple. Seed cones are around 15 to 25 cm long, narrowly egg-shaped, and very short. They are green, ripening to brown. Cones have 75 to 150 scales that are wedge-shaped, with the outer face being diamond-shaped, flat, with a sharp prickle. These cones open widely to release their seeds and stay on the tree until the winter, at which point they fall. Seeds are 9 to 12 mm long, with a non-detachable wing that is 25 to 30 mm long (Eckenwalder 2009).
Pinus palustris is adapted to fire and is relatively resistant to burning, compared to related southern pine species. When young it grows in a “grass stage”, where it appears as a dense cluster of needles. These needles protect the bud, while the taproot grows and develops (Eckenwalder 2009).
Pinus palustris is adapted to fire and is relatively resistant to burning, compared to related southern pine species. When young it grows in a “grass stage”, where it appears as a dense cluster of needles. These needles protect the bud, while the taproot grows and develops (Eckenwalder 2009).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Pinus palustris is an important timber tree. It was and is still used for pulp and planks, the latter especially appropriate since the tree produces tall, straight trunks. Turpentine is also extracted from the trees (Farjon 2013).
Distribution
Pinus palustris typically inhabits sandy soils. It makes up a specific type of habitat called the pine savannas, which are naturally adapted to fire. It is native to the southeastern United States, in Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas (Farjon 2013).
Status
Pinus palustris is listed on the IUCN Red List as “Endangered”. Once the most common pine in the Coastal Plains, its range has been heavily reduced by logging, and its habitat has been converted to farmland and pastures. Its range is still decreasing, albeit at a slower range than previously. Because P. palustris grows in a “grass stage” at the beginning of its life, it is also vulnerable to suppression of fire, since there is more competition from tall herbs and shrubs (Farjon 2013).
References
Eckenwalder, J. E. 2009. Conifers of the world: the complete reference. Portland: Timber Press.
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus palustris. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T39068A2886222.en.
FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York: Oxford University Press.
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus palustris. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T39068A2886222.en.
FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York: Oxford University Press.
Description
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