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Pinus virginiana

Image of Pinus virginiana

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Pinaceae

Botanical Name

Pinus virginiana

Plant Common Name

Scrub Pine, Virginia Pine

General Description

This small, spreading, somewhat gaunt pine tree from the eastern United States is valued for its adaptability to difficult sites.

The soft, yellow-green to dark green needles of this pine occur in bundles of two. The needles are concentrated toward the ends of the long horizontal to declining branches. In spring, tiny male cones and larger female cones emerge from resinous buds borne on the previous year's growth. The spiny, conical, reddish brown female cones shed their seeds their second autumn, but usually persist on the tree for several years. This pine typically has a broad irregular crown and a single trunk with scaly red-brown bark.

This tough, adaptable pine does well in full sun and infertile, dry to moderately moist soil. It is well suited for informal gardens or naturalistic mass plantings. It is also sometimes used for bonsai or as a Christmas tree.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 8

  • Plant Type

    Needled or Scaled Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    15'-40' / 4.6m - 12.2m

  • Width

    20'-35' / 6.1m - 10.7m

  • Native To

    Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    None

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Yellow Green

  • Bark Color

    Red, Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Fissured

  • Usage

    Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes