I found this tree about 7 years ago and transplanted it. It is about 3 feet in height has needles about 2 feet long. I do not know much about trees but I have never seen anything similar to this.
Likely longleaf pine (Pinus palustris). Starts out in what has been called a "grass stage", later growing tall and branching.
I think you hit the nail on the head. And to think this think grows 80 to 100 feet high. Guess I will have to transplant it again. LOL
You'll have a job moving it now - it'll have a taproot going half-way to Australia by now (and breaking it would likely kill the tree)