Mature Height: Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) grows to 55 to 80 feet.

Growth Rate: Longleaf pine grows slowly during the first five to 10 years, after that the growth rate is quite fast (2 feet per year).

Ornamental Features: The dark green needles are more than a foot long in youth (called the grass stage), and are replaced by 9-inch needles when mature. The cones are 6 to 10 inches long and a dull brown. Young plants look like fountains of grass.

Landscape Use: Longleaf pine grows best on well-drained, sandy, acidic soils that are low in organic matter.

Problems: Longleaf pine is less susceptible than other Southern pines to bark beetles and other insect pests. Fusiform rust is not a serious problem. This species is not tolerant of high winds and drought.