Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana)
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Coniferophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Pinales
Family: Pinaceae
Genus: Pinus
Species: virginiana
Characteristics: A medium-sized tree that grows quickly. Not a desirable pine species for the purpose of lumber or pulpwood, but can be utilized for both. Found to be a common commercial Christmas Tree in the Southeast. Best grown in full sun. Can be 20′ to 70′ tall but more commonly around 40′. Often used to be a privacy barrier or windbreak because of the dense limb structure. New growth twigs are glaucous.
Fruit: Pine cones. Up to 3″ long and 1″ wide. Can be found in clusters of 4 but also can persist on the tree for multiple years. The cone scale has sharp points.
Needles: The needles are in clusters of 2 per fascicle. The needles twist and are 2″ to 3″ long.
Commonly confused with which species?:
- Shortleaf Pine: The best way to tell them apart is that the Virginia Pine has needles that twist. Shortleaf needles do not twist.
Range:
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