Virginia Pine

Pinus virginiana
Pinaceae
Tolerant of dry, rocky, and nutrient-poor soils where most other trees won't grow. Useful for erosion control and as a windbreak. When grown on poor soils, has a scraggly, stunted appearance.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Fair
Wildlife Benefits
Seeds food source for birds, small mammals; host to Imperial moth and Pine elfin butterfly
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
4 to 8
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
381
Bloom Time
Spring (Apr)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun: Receives 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Rapid: 2 ft or greater per year
Soil Type
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist: Soil can remain damp and does not normally retain standing water
Root - Fungal Association
Ectomycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on outside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Low; Pine sawfly, pitch canker
Urban Stress Tolerance
Medium: Tree can adapt to a few urban conditions and will generally grow well
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
3
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Absent
  • Oak Mixed: Absent
  • Alluvial: Absent
  • Red Maple Mixed: Absent
  • Ruderal: Absent
Bloom Color
Brown
Yellow
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Medium: 100-250 years
Soil pH
Acid-Neutral (pH 4.5-7.5)
Wetland Indicator Status
UPL: Obligate Upland, almost never occurs in wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Sensitive: Intolerant to either aerial salt spray and/or salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern