Alabama’s State Tree

Alabama adopted the “Southern Pine” in 1949, though it changed its designation to longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) in 1999. Hugh Kaul, of Birmingham, said the longleaf pine is the one he meant to recognize as Alabama’s state tree. Longleaf pines grow mostly in the lower two-thirds of Alabama.

The longleaf, slash, loblolly, and shortleaf pines are the “big four” of Alabama pines. Wood from these pines is sold as “southern yellow pine.” It’s also used as a source of pulpwood for making paper. In addition, the wood of longleaf and slash pines is an important source of gum turpentine. Pond, spruce, sand, and Virginia pines are not as common as the other species, nor is their lumber as valuable.

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