Virginia Pine part 1

Virginia Pine is an evergreen conifer seen in many parts of eastern and central parts of North America. It is found growing in the wild all the way from the Appalachian Mountains to SE Ohio and on to Maine. The Virginia pine grows well on sandy soil, rocky surfaces and along open country fields. Sometimes the Virginia pine grows in inhospitable environments thus giving it the name scrub pine. When the Virginia pine grows on such unreceptive terrain, its growth is usually stunted and the shrub appears more like a weed.

When the Virginia pine matures, its wood is often used for lumber or firewood. However, during fall the tree is also used as Christmas tree decoration because the tree can be easily pruned into a nice pyramidal shape. In some parts of the country, the Virginia pine forms a pleasant scenic background of tangled branches and fine consistency of the leaves.

The Virginia pine is a shallow tree reaching heights of 30-40 feet when fully mature. It also tends to grow wide at the base when it grows out in the open. It has an irregular pyramidal shape when young but quickly becomes distorted and globular. Being a member of the pine family, the Virginia pine is also related to the larches, firs, spruces and hemlocks.

Virginia Pine generally grows in soil where no other evergreen or pine will grow. It does require well drained soil which is slightly acidic. It prefers sandy loams or heavy clay soil to thrive. Unlike other shrubs, it tends to thrive when neglected and easily invades the nearby alleys, road side and rural lanes.

It is best suited to zones 4-8