Pinus virginiana (Virginia Pine)

Also called Jersey pine for its historical range boundary, Virginia pine is a confirmed deer-resistant, genuinely tough pioneer species used for post-mining forest reclamation - thriving on the poorest, most impoverished soils where few other trees will establish.

Species Overview

Pinus virginiana, or Virginia pine, is a fast-growing, small to medium-sized evergreen conifer native to areas on either side of the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States. It reaches 15 to 40 feet (occasionally to 80 feet), with short, twisted yellow-green needles in pairs and a scraggly, irregularly pyramidal form that becomes flat-topped with age. It is also known as Jersey pine, since New Jersey and southern New York mark the northern limit of its natural range.

Application

• Reforestation and post-mining land reclamation - a proven pioneer species
• Poor, dry, rocky, or clay soil restoration
• Deer-pressured sites
• Larval host habitat for the Eastern Pine Elfin butterfly

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Poor, dry, rocky soils; sandy loam or heavy clay; does not tolerate wet or soggy soils
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Flood Tolerance: Low - A dry upland pine; not tolerant of standing water.
• Plant Type: Tree
• Mature Height: 25-50 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None - evergreen conifer
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list) - NJ and southern NY mark the species' northern range limit
• Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
• Root Depth: Deep (24-36 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Growth Habit: Upright - pyramidal in youth, open and irregular with age
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports butterflies

Planting Guidance

• IMPORTANT: listed as Endangered in New York, at the northern edge of its range - worth conservation-sensitivity awareness for New York restoration projects. A proven pioneer species for post-mining forest reclamation.