Virginia Pine / Pinus virginiana
Family: Pine / Pinaceae
Characteristics: Virginia Pine is a medium sized tree with medium texture and rapid growth rate. It is somewhat scrubby in appearance because of numerous branches that may extend to the ground. Its evergreen needles, arranged 2 per fascicle, are 2 to 3 inches long and persist for 3 to 4 seasons. Virginia Pine is easily confused with Shortleaf Pine, but can be distinguished by its twisted needles. The cones are up to 3 inches long and approximately 1 inch wide, grouped in clusters of 4. The cone scales have sharp points.
Landscape uses: Virginia Pine is frequently used for screening or windbreaks. It also has been widely cultivated in the Southeast for Christmas trees because of its dense branching habit, fast growth, and soil adaptability. Like other pines, it needs full sun for best growth
Size: 40 to 70 feet high
Zones: 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a
Habitat: A wide range of sites including well-drained upland slopes, on eroded heavy clays, and dry rocky ridges.
Native to: New York, southwest through the Appalachians and the Ohio valley, to central Alabama and east to Georgia