Virginia pine is a needled evergreen tree in the pine family. They are native to most of the eastern half of the United States. They tend to grow in pure stands rather than in mixed groups. When young they grow as broad, open pyramids becoming flat-topped and horizontal as they age. They have a slow growth rate, growing to about 40-80 feet tall and 10-30 feet wide, and are small compared to other pines. The seeds are a food source for many birds.  They are also a host plant for the larvae of the Imperial moth (Eacles imperialis).

They grow best in full sun, well-drained soil, and sandy acidic loam, although they do grow well even in eroded and poor, dry soils, including clay soils. They are deer resistant and are moderately tolerant of pollution.