Loblolly Pine
Pinus taeda · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Pinaceae
Tree Category
Forest Tree, Timber Tree, Conifer
Variety / Cultivar
Native species
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 6 through 9; sensitive to severe ice and heavy snow accumulation.
About This Tree
A tall, fast-growing coniferous tree with a straight trunk and a rounded to spreading crown at maturity. Often loses lower branches as it ages, resulting in a high canopy.
Leaf Characteristics
Needle-like leaves, typically in bundles (fascicles) of three; 6 to 9 inches long; yellowish-green to dark green; slender and slightly stiff.
Bark Characteristics
Reddish-brown to grey-brown, maturing into thick, deeply furrowed, rectangular plates that reveal cinnamon-colored inner layers.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Southeastern United States, from New Jersey south to Florida and west to Texas.
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen growth; flowers (strobili) appear in early spring; cones mature over two years; seeds dispersed in fall and winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun; prefers moist, acidic soils but is highly adaptable; moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Reaches 60 to 100 feet in height with a spread of 25 to 35 feet; rapid growth rate; can live over 150 years.
Special Characteristics
Excellent timber value for lumber and pulp; rapid pioneer species for reforestation; fire-resistant bark at maturity.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for birds like the Red-cockaded Woodpecker; seeds are a vital food source for squirrels, chipmunks, and various songbirds.