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Native Plant Society of Texas

Longleaf Pine

Pinus palustris

Other common name(s):

Georgia Pine, Longleaf Yellow Pine, Southern Yellow Pine, Longstraw Pine, Hill Pine, Hard Pine, Heart Pine

Family:

Pinaceae (Pine Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Flatwoods, Southern Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Tree

Height

80
to
100
ft.

Spread

to
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Deep, Moist, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Brown

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Forage, Nesting Material

Wildlife Benefit

Browsers, Birds, Small Mammals

Maintenance

A slow growing pine. Does not tolerate shade. Prevent complete soil dryness, Longleaf pine is highly fire-resistant, especially once it reaches a certain size. However, seedlings in the grass stage are vulnerable to fire damage. Seedlings must be protected from wildlife that will forage on the needles. Native habitat: dry sandy uplands, sandhills, flatwoods, and coastal plains. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms January and December. Produces short, stout, spare branches forming an open, irregular crown and a deep taproot. Bark orange-brown, with coarse, rectangular, scaly plates. The bright green needles are the longest of any eastern North American pine, and occur in dense bundles of three. The cones are also the largest of any pine in eastern North America. Pollen cones are cylindric, 30–80mm, purplish. Seed cones solitary or paired toward branchlet tips, maturing in 2 years.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Pinus australis

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Sow fresh, untreated seed in late fall. Pinus palustris seeds germinate best at cooler temperatures, therfore, crops should be started by early May when outdoor temperatures are near the optimum 21C and with a range of 15C to 27C. Frequent misting is all that is needed during germination to keep the media moist. Care should be taken not to overwater which can cause lower germination and promote disease problems. Fungicide applications should begin as soon as feasilble to reduce damping off of germinants and inhibit pathogenic fungi development. Seedlings develop best in full sunlight so no shading is necessary. Hardening should begin when stem diameters are near the desired size or when daylengths and temperatures restrict growth. Seedlings should be stressed by reducing water availibilty and withholding nutrients. Collect cones from vigorous trees in late summer and fall just before they completely open to drop seeds. Spread cones on racks to dry so they will release seeds. Cones may be shaken to release seeds. Store at a moisture content of 5-10 % fresh weight. 1) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PIPA2 2) https://npn.rngr.net/renderNPNProtocolDetails?selectedProtocolIds=pinaceae-pinus-293&referer=wildflower

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason