Virginia Pine

Virginia pine is not considered particularly attractive by many people, but it can be a popular Christmas tree species in the South. The gnarled, twisted trunk gives this tree a rugged character useful in many landscapes. Its main attribute is its ability to grow in poor sites such as heavy clay soils where few other plants will grow.Virginia pine grows best in full sun and performs well in clay or sandy loam.  It will grow in poor sites and adapts to most soil conditions, except alkaline. It is hardy in Zones 4 to 8. Potential problems with Virginia pine include Diplodia tip blight and pine wood nematode. Recently, southern pine beetles have become a serious pest and killed many native pines.