Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Sandy, well-drained soils of pine flatwoods, sandhills, and upland areas. Historically dominant in the southeastern coastal plain.
Native State, Country: Southeastern United States
Growing Zones: 7a - 9b
Size at Maturity: 80-100 feet tall, 30-40 feet wide
Phenology: Evergreen
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (has a "grass stage" where it focuses on root development)
Growth Habit: Pyramidal in youth, becoming rounded to irregular with age; upright, spreading
Bloom Season: Spring (cones mature in fall)
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
Soil Texture: Sandy, well-drained soils. Does not tolerate poorly drained sites.
Soil pH: Acidic
Moisture Requirements: Average to dry. Drought tolerant once established.
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: Yes! Longleaf Pine ecosystems support incredible biodiversity.
Recommended Landscape Uses: Specimen tree, restoration projects, wildlife habitat, large-scale landscapes.
Maintenance Tips: Requires prescribed fire to maintain ecosystem health. Protect young trees from fire damage.
Considerations: Important for red-cockaded woodpecker habitat. Needs plenty of space.
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Moderate to high (strong taproot)
Erosion Control: Yes, especially in its native habitat
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Edible: Seeds (pine nuts) are edible.
Pet Safe: Generally considered safe, but avoid large ingestion of needles.
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Moderate (young trees may be browsed)
Historical Medicinal Uses: Resin used by Native Americans for a variety of medicinal purposes.
Florida Native Companion Plant:  Aristida stricta (Wiregrass), Quercus laevis (Turkey Oak)
Wildlife Benefit: Provides food and shelter for a wide range of birds, mammals (including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker), and reptiles.
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes, for several species, including the Buck Moth
Propagation: Seed
Length of time Seed is Viable: 1-2 years
Best month to Start Seeds: Spring
Seed treatments: Stratification can improve germination rates