The Virginia Department of Forestry nurseries produce both longleaf and shortleaf pine species – two diminished species in Virginia’s forestlands – to aid in the restoration of these species.
Longleaf Pine
Longleaf pine forests once covered between 1 million and 1.5 million acres in Southeast Virginia. Prior to the 1990s, it was estimated that fewer than 200 mature, cone-bearing longleaf remained in Virginia, in widely scattered stands. Today it is estimated that more 8,000 acres of longleaf pine are thriving in Virginia, due to the restoration efforts of private individuals, tribal communities, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
The native Virginia longleaf pine seed source is essentially limited to one site in Suffolk, Virginia. VDOF nurseries grow native Virginia longleaf pine due to its increased early growth and survival. A 10-year study demonstrated that seed from Virginia-native longleaf produced significantly more volume per acre and ranked higher in overall performance than the other longleaf sources.
The Sussex Nursery grows containerized longleaf pine seedlings, grown on tables under a pivot irrigation system. The nursery produces both native and regionally-sourced longleaf.
Learn more about longleaf pine.
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During the past 30 years, more than half of shortleaf pine acres have been lost, with the most significant declines taking place east of the Mississippi River. Shortleaf pine forests and associated habitats once covered a vast area from eastern Texas to Florida and up the eastern seaboard to New Jersey. VDOF collects cones from its shortleaf orchard located at the New Kent Regional Office property. Both bare root and containerized shortleaf pine seedlings can be grown at the Sussex Nursery.
Learn more about shortleaf pine.
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Read more about VDOF research efforts to restore diminished species.
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For more information or questions, e-mail us or use our contact form.