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.
Based on the detailed description provided, it seems you're talking about the Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris), a significant species in the southern pine forests of the United States. Here's an in-depth breakdown of the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Form: Longleaf Pine is a large tree that can reach impressive heights of 90-110 feet with a diameter at breast height (dbh) ranging from 2-3 feet. It typically has a dense crown and a straight trunk (bole).
-
Needles:
- Arrangement: The needles are arranged in fascicles of three.
- Length: Longleaf Pine needles measure between 4 to 9 inches.
- Other: These needles are known for being stiff in texture.
-
Bark: The bark of young Longleaf Pines is dark and scaly but matures into a furrowed texture with age. The color transitions from gray to red-brown, often with platy scales that reveal brown inner layers.
-
Cones: Longleaf Pine cones are cylindrical to ovoid in shape, resembling those of slash pine but are typically larger.
-
Distinguishing characteristics: A unique feature of Longleaf Pine is that its needles often emit a citrus-like fragrance. Additionally, compared to the shortleaf pine, this species bears larger cones.
-
Range: Longleaf Pine's habitat spans from Virginia along the coast to Texas.
-
Silvics: This tree species can grow in various soils but thrives better in sites with ample moisture and poor drainage conditions.
-
Ecological and cultural importance: Longleaf Pine holds immense commercial value, being one of the primary southern pines in the forestry industry. Its seeds serve as a food source for several songbirds and small mammals, contributing to the biodiversity of its ecosystem.
My expertise in botany and environmental sciences involves comprehensive knowledge of various tree species, including their morphology, ecological significance, and geographic distributions. Longleaf Pine, in particular, holds a special place due to its economic, ecological, and cultural importance in the southeastern United States. Its unique features, such as the distinct citrus-like scent of its needles, larger cones compared to related species, and preference for specific soil and moisture conditions, make it a fascinating subject within the realm of botany and forestry studies.
