Longleaf Pine

Pinus palustris

$20.00
1 Gallon USDA Zones 7–10 Full Sun Matures 70–100 Feet

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Healthy-arrival guarantee Free shipping over $150
Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
Shipping later in the season? Schedule your delivery date in your cart.
The Full Story

Before the South was farms and pavement it was, in great part, longleaf: an open, sunlit forest of widely spaced pines over a ground layer so rich a single square yard could hold dozens of species, the whole thing held together by fire. They ran across tens of millions of acres of the coastal plain, by some counts as many as ninety million, from Virginia to east Texas, and almost all of it is gone now, which is the quiet grief behind every longleaf you meet. They gave the South tar, pitch, and turpentine, the naval stores that caulked the wooden fleets of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and earned North Carolinians the nickname tar heels. Pinus palustris is the patient one. A seedling spends years as a dense green tussock, looking for all the world like a clump of grass and fooling everyone who doesn't know better, while underground they drive a deep taproot and wait out the fires that clear their rivals. Then they bolt, throwing up a single thick candle of a stem before they bother with branches. The needles are the longest of any eastern pine, well past a foot, hanging in soft fountains and catching wind like nothing else in the genus. Give one sun and room and you are planting the architecture the gopher tortoise and the red-cockaded woodpecker were waiting for. They ask only for patience, and they reward it for three hundred years.
Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 7–10
Sun
Full Sun
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy
Mature size
Height 70–100 Feet · Spread 40–50 Feet
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Evergreen
Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Flowers
None in the conventional sense; as a conifer, longleaf carries its reproduction in cones. Purple-brown male cones cluster at the base of new spring growth and shed pollen to the wind. The small female cones, once fertilized, spend the better part of two years swelling into some of the largest cones of any eastern pine, ripening woody and brown and nearly the length of a hand.

Foliage
The signature. Needles in bundles of three, eight to eighteen inches long, bright to deep green, held in dense tufts at the branch tips where they hang and sway in a way stiffer pines never manage. Evergreen, and unmistakable even at a distance.

Habit
Worth knowing before you plant: the grass stage comes first, a stemless rosette of needles, easily mistaken for a tussock of grass, that can hold for several years while the roots establish. After that the tree sends up a branchless candle and height comes quickly.

Care

Read our full care guide

Planting Requirements

  • Light: Thrives in full sun. Ensure the planting site receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
  • Soil: Prefers sandy, well-draining soils but can tolerate loamy or slightly clayey soils with good drainage. Naturally adapted to acidic soils, with a pH range of 5.0–6.5.
  • Planting Time: Best planted in fall or early spring to allow the tree to establish before extreme temperatures.

Watering

  • Keep the soil consistently moist during the first few years to help establish the root system.
  • Once established, the tree is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering, except during prolonged dry periods.

Fertilization

  • Typically, no fertilization is required for Pinus palustris if planted in its native range or in soil that mimics its natural conditions.
  • If growth appears slow or foliage is pale, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

Pruning

  • Minimal pruning is needed. Remove any dead or damaged branches as necessary to maintain a healthy canopy.
  • Avoid excessive pruning, as it can disrupt the tree's natural shape and growth pattern.

Growth Stages

  1. Grass Stage: Initial years where the tree resembles a clump of grass, focusing on root development. During this stage, fire resistance is a notable trait.
  2. Bottlebrush Stage: Rapid vertical growth occurs as the tree transitions to forming a trunk.
  3. Mature Stage: Develops a straight trunk with a broad, open crown and long, feathery needles.

Pests and Diseases

  • Generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, monitor for pine tip moths, bark beetles, and root rot in poorly drained soils.
  • Ensure proper spacing to allow for air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal infections.

Growth Habit and Size

  • Grows slowly, reaching heights of 80–100 feet and a spread of 30–40 feet at maturity.
  • Develops a long, straight trunk with an open, irregular canopy and needles up to 18 inches long.

Special Features

  • Foliage: Long, glossy, green needles arranged in bundles of three provide an airy and elegant appearance.
  • Cones: Large, oval cones measuring 6–10 inches long mature over two years, adding visual interest and providing seeds for wildlife.
  • Ecosystem Role: Supports diverse ecosystems, serving as critical habitat for species like the red-cockaded woodpecker and gopher tortoise.

Fire Tolerance

  • Naturally fire-adapted. Regular controlled burns in its native range help maintain healthy growth and prevent competition from invasive species.

Winter Care

  • Hardy in USDA zones 7–10. Generally requires no special winter protection.

Additional Tips

  • Avoid compacted or waterlogged soils, as these can hinder root growth and lead to disease.
  • Ideal for naturalistic landscapes, restoration projects, or large properties where its full size can be appreciated.

Summary
With proper care, Pinus palustris becomes a majestic and ecologically valuable tree that can enhance landscapes while contributing to wildlife conservation and habitat restoration.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
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We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.