Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana)
| Here's another tree with a scientific name that credits your home state. This particular Virginia pine is somewhat larger than they typically grow. This suggests the site has deep nutrient rich soil and adequate moisture. Virginia pines are better known for their ability to survive in areas with more rocks than soil and virtually no prolonged water availability. For instance, it is common to see Virginia pines growing on the sunbaked southern facing slopes of mountains, where the soil is only inches thin and rain water drains away as fast as it falls. Did anyone notice the big broken branch on this tree this past winter? Did anyone see anyone or any group of kids tugging on the branch when it was weighed down with snow? (Anyone with any information regarding the broken limb this tree suffered this winter is urged to call the tree police!) | |