Pinus Virginiana

I have been considering the interesting aspects of Pinus virginiana (Virginia pine/spruce pine/Jersey pine) lately, and have decided to compend a reasoned response to those who argue against its applicability in landscaping, industry, and health.

1: Those who argue against its landscape uses seemingly forsake considering: A, that P. virginiana can grow where few other trees, even other pines, can, ergo offering what few other trees can, ergo being unique and profitable; B, that, like other landscape trees, the Virginia pine in its undomesticated state is indeed lacking in ornament, further, in basic refinement; however, like other landscape trees, this can be modified by pruning etc.; further, some may appreciate this unconventional and rugged appearance and contrast to the dull elements of American suburbia.

2: Industrially, P. virginiana is shrugged as if utterly without cause to exist. Yet this pine is a major contributor to pulpwood production. Additionally, rough lumber is attainable, and sold in the same category, Southern Yellow Pine wood, as the famous Loblolly pine, Longleaf pine, etc.

3: Healthwise, I have tasted P. virginiana foliage before (today, in fact), and can therefore and thereto witness that it distinctly has a sour, or rather, ascorbic, taste. This is not a danger, nor a hassle, but a health benefit, one which few consider, preferring the more well-known P. strobus, P. koraiensis, & P. sylvestris. This, of course, is simply staying within the established perimeter of safety, an understandable idea. But in my non-professional experience, P. virginiana is entirely safe for me in the amount I have consumed.

These notes should hopefully be applied as forward individuals consider them and vet them to see the reasoning behind them.