Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions including both heavy clay soils and poor soils. Prefers clay or sandy loams with moderate to good drainage.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pinus virginiana is native to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It grows 30-60' tall in an open, somewhat pyramidal habit with spreading branching and a rounded to flat-topped crown. Features needles (1-3" long) in bundles of two. Spiny-scaled cones to 3" long.
Genus name comes from the Latin name for pines.
Specific epithet means of Virginia.
'Wate's Golden' is an irregular, slow to medium growing, somewhat scruffy looking, needled evergreen tree that is most noted for its outstanding golden foliage in winter. Typically grows 15-30' tall. Needles emerge yellowish green but turn a bright gold in cold winters.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to pitch canker.
Uses
Small to medium-sized evergreen tree for the landscape. Good winter accent.