Georgia’s Native Pines (PINUS): General Information For Identification

Pines (Pinus species) are found around the world almost entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. They live in many different places under highly variable conditions. Pines have been the historic foundation for industrial development and wealth building. Pines continue to be a valuable renewable natural resource generating paper, cardboard, lumber, plywood, composite products, chemicals, and food. Pines are the centerpiece and the backdrop of our homes and communities.

As important as pines have been, and continue to be in Georgia, many people have difficulty identifying one native pine species from another. This publication was designed to assist people to identify the pines around them. Remember there is great variation among the many attributes of pines across their growth range.  Pine can interbreed (hybridize) naturally. Because hybrid pines can share features of both genetic parents, they can be difficult to identify. See the pine hybrid net of interactions and potential shared characteristics on page 3.

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