Form: This is a large tree reaching 90-110 ft. in height and 2-3 ft. in dbh. It generally has a dense crown and straight bole.

Needles:
             

Arrangement: 3 per fascicle

Length: 4-9"

Other: stiff needles

 

Bark: The bark is dark and scaly when young becoming furrowed with age. It usually has a gray to red-brown tint with platy scales exposing brown inner layers.

Cones: Cones are cylindrical to ovid (similar to slash pine).

Distinguishing characteristics: Needles often smell like citrus fruit. It has a larger cone than shortleaf pine.

Range: It grows in Virginia south along the coast and west to Texas.

Silvics: It is planted on a variety of soils, but prefers sites with ample moisture and poor drainage.

Ecological and cultural importance: It is the leading commercial southern pine. The seeds are eaten by a variety of songbirds and small mammals.