A fast growing Florida Native evergreen that provides food and cover for wildlife including the now-endangered Red Cockaded woodpecker. They grow in an upright manner almost perfectly straight with little maintenance required. Can grow in well drained soils and can survive with little to no water once established.
How to care for Longleaf Pine
Light. Full sun.
Water. Water often after planting. Once established it is extremely drought tolerant and needs no irrigation.
Soil and feeding. Prefers well-drained, acidic sandy soil but tolerates slightly alkaline soil.
Size. Grows to 50 ft or more; in good soil it can reach 60–125 ft with a 30–40 ft spread. It stays grass-like for 5–7 years, then grows quickly.
Pruning. Little pruning is needed. Falling needles and cones make litter, so keep it away from pavement.
Problems to watch. Borers, sawflies, pine-shoot moth and pine weevils; bark beetles attack old, stressed trees. It has no major diseases.
Good to know. Highly tolerant of salt spray. Controlled burns are not needed in home landscapes.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS ENH-628/ST469: Pinus palustris: Longleaf Pine · UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Longleaf Pine
