Native plant of the month featured in January 2023 is the Longleaf Pine Tree.
We just passed the first anniversary of 2 Longleaf pine trees living at VISTA Gardens. They were generously donated by Bruce Turley, who owned and operated Wilcox Nursery at the time.
VISTA gardeners, Doug Kostelnik and Janet Stanko, along with volunteers from Sickles High School National Honor Society, transplanted the 7-gallon saplings on December 18, 2021.
In this photograph, they are testing soil drainage in the planting hole before transplanting the sapling.
One year later, Doug stands next to the Longleaf Pine tree on the south side of the Wildflower Garden.
Longleaf pine trees take many years to grow tall and wide. 120 ft tall by 30-50 ft wide, Longleaf pine trees take 100-150 years to become full size.
Extensive roots In this early life stage, a tremendous amount of activity is taking place below ground as these trees establish extensive root systems, radiating out 35 feet and more, to provide essential access to soil moisture and anchorage for the tree's height to come. Some roots may grow as long as 75 feet!
Longest needles Longest of all southern pines at 8–11 inches that they will likely begin shedding after two growing seasons.
Large pine cones 5-12 inches long
Long lives Longest-lived of the southern pine species, most live 250 years (with trees in excess of 450 years old documented).
