The Virginia pine showed little growth; due to a different positioning of mid-slope ground level, the 5’0.5” circumference is smaller than previously recorded, though for Virginia pine an unusual abundance of lichens on the trunk also seems to suggest slow expansion, and the height has increased only 0.4’ to 122.3’. Contrastingly, a good view of the pitch pine’s crown revealed that tree to stand six feet taller than previously measured, now an ENTS record 142.3’. Similarly, the circumference appears to have grown from 7’7” to 8’0”. An adjacent, tall looking shortleaf pine, supported by a 5’10” cbh trunk, likewise claims a state height record at 138.7’.
- Height record pitch pine on the left and Virginia pine on the right (Will Blozan photograph)
- Height record pitch pine on the left and shortleaf pine on the right (Will Blozan photograph)
The three pines grow in a line less than 75’ long. What makes this little patch of land such exceptional habitat is unclear, but the surrounding Chattooga River also supports the tallest known shortleaf and table mountain pines as well as the second tallest known white pine. The pines benefit from extra light due to the proximity of the road, but that explanation seems insufficient given the lack of similar clusters along other local roads.
Jess Riddle & Will Blozan
