Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana)

Virginia Pine

(Pinus virginiana)

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Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Pinus virginiana, commonly known as Virginia Pine, is an evergreen tree native to the poor, dry, often sandy or rocky soils of upland areas and ridges in the Appalachian and Southeastern U.S. Its natural range extends from Long Island in southern New York, south through the Appalachian Mountains to western Tennessee and Alabama. Typically, Virginia Pine grows to a height of 9 to 18 meters with a variable form, often irregular or scrubby in poor sites and more straight and tall in better conditions. The bark is red-brown and scaly, and the tree is characterized by its short, twisted needles that grow in pairs. The yellowish-green to orange winter color of the needles is less desirable than other pines, but it is still widely used as a Christmas tree due to its availability and low cost. The tree produces inconspicuous yellow pollen cones and more noticeable seed cones that are ovoid and remain on the tree for several years.

Virginia Pine is valued for its ability to thrive in poor soils and its use in reforestation projects, particularly in reclaiming disturbed and eroded lands. It provides cover and food for wildlife, including seeds for birds and small mammals. In cultivation, it is often used for Christmas tree farming, despite its sharp needles. It is also planted for erosion control and as a pioneer species in ecological restoration. This tree prefers well-drained loam or clay but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including poor, sandy soils. It requires full sun and can tolerate drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 15-40 feet
Width: 10-20 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Poor, dry, often sandy or rocky soils of upland areas and ridges in the Appalachian and Southeastern U.S

Other Names

Common Names: Jersey Pine , Scrub Pine , Poverty Pine , Jersey-Kiefer , Virginische Kiefer , Pin De Virginie , Pin De Jersey , Pin De La Virginie , Virginiai Erdeifenyo , Pino Della Virginia

Scientific Names: Pinus virginiana , Pinus inops , Pinus turbinata , Pinus ruthenica

GBIF Accepted Name: Pinus virginiana Mill.