Longleaf pine containerized seedlings from eleven different seed sources gathered throughout longleaf pine’s native range were planted at five sites in central and southeastern Georgia. Trees at each site were regularly inventoried through stand age 10-years. Seed source effects were evident after 10-years
as seedlings from the central Gulf Coast generally performed best in terms of survival and growth, but often had stem defect issues. More northern and western seed sources tended to grow more slowly and generally have fewer stem defects. Differences in growth rate were evident based on field site land use history (Surface soil (0-6 inches) P—cutover versus old-field sites) and management (use of mechanical/chemical site preparation and/or herbaceous weed control) at stand establishment. Of the seed sources still available for purchase as 1-0 stock containerized seedlings, Escambia County, Alabama and the Georgia/Florida improved bulk seed mix source may be the best options for landowners interested in planting longleaf pine in central and southeastern Georgia. More northern and western seed sources from longleaf pine’s native range tend to grow at significantly slower rates than Gulf Coast seed sources.