help identifying native pine?

Selah_Tree

I've come across a few pines growing locally that I was able to collect, and I've been identifying my local pines lately, but I can't seem to identify this species. I can't find it on a map of local south east texas pines, but I think that is because this species may have been planted here for timber.

the needles appear grouped by 2 and 3 and are no longer than 2 or 3 inches long.

the mature bark is silvery/black

the tree is very very flexible, moreso than any other tree (especially pine) that I have ever encountered. I can bend and contort this species' branches like a rubber band without snapping or even cracking a little.

It was found growing in clay soils if that helps any

I've attached a picture of one of these trees in a one gallon container. Any help would be appreciated very much.

I'm letting these guys grow a few years (in the ground maybe?) and get some vigor in them before I do anything, but I'm excited about them, especially because of the flexibility of the trunk and branches. I'm sure there are some 'experts' out there that can help me identify this tree.

much appreciated,
craig

Attached Images

summer '07 (collected spring '06).JPG (56.9 KB, 69 views)

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KenDuncan

Hi Craig,
This looks very much like a Loblolly pine to me,
I checked a field guide book of North American trees and saw that the Loblolly pine grows in East Texas. We have them all over here in South Carolina and it is a tree that is planted in tree farms for pulp wood and timber.
Ken

Selah_Tree

KenDuncan,

thanks for your reply, but I don't think it's a loblolly. I can identify loblolly (and only a few other local pines) and it doesn't match up to other loblollys around here.

__________________
For the Brahmin who knows the Self
The Vedas are of no more use
Than a Resevoir of water
When there is a flood everywhere.

Vance Wood

You might have to take it to one of the forestry extension offices or a local University that has an agricultural department. It looks very much like Pitch Pine, but this is not native in your area. It could be one of the Pinon Pines but I am not certain of this either. You mentioned how flexible it was, this suggest Limber Pine but Limber Pine is a five needle Pine. If it is a native it is not common, or it is a feral tree escaped from human cultivation by way of seed.

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BONSAI_OUTLAW

I live a little south of you and hang out in your neck of the woods all the time. I say it is a P. elliottii.

Selah_Tree

Thanks OUTLAW, but I'm afraid this isn't a slash pine either.


btw, how far south? I'm moving to beaumont in a few months and i'm looking for other bonsai people nearby to communicate with while i'm living there.

*edit*-oh i see you are in beaumont! how's the bonsai community there?

__________________
For the Brahmin who knows the Self
The Vedas are of no more use
Than a Resevoir of water
When there is a flood everywhere.