Species Profiles Cumulative Quiz 5 View

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Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana)
Family: Pinaceae

 

A table detailing the characteristics of the Virginia pine

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Form:

It grows to 50 – 100 ft. in height and 2 – 3 ft. in dbh. An flat top and irregular bole with scraggly branches develop with age.

Virginia pine form

Another view of Virginia pine form

Needles:
 Arrangement: 2 per fascicle; twisted

 Length: 1-3″ long

 Shape: N/A

 Other: N/A

Needles of Virginia pine

Bark:

It has thin, flaky, red-brown bark.

Virginia pine bark

Cones:

The cone scales have purplish tinges (resembling a turkey tail) on outer edge with a small prickle at the end.

Cones of a Virginia pine tree

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Look for the turkey tail cone, 2 twisted needles per fascicle, and numerous dead branches.

Range:

Southern New Jersey west to southern Ohio south to northern Mississippi and east to Georgia.

Silvics:

It is very intolerant of shade and grows on dry uplands and droughty clay soils.

Ecological and Cultural Importance:

Used as pulpwood. Food source for small mammals, Northern bobwhite, and other birds. Can quickly reforest abandoned fields.