Loblolly Pine
Pinus taeda · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Pinaceae
Tree Category
Forest Tree, Timber Tree, Conifer
Variety / Cultivar
Native species (non-cultivar indicated)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9.
About This Tree
A large, fast-growing coniferous evergreen with a straight trunk and a rounded crown that becomes more open with age. It is a dominant species in the southern U.S. pine forests.
Leaf Characteristics
Needles are in bundles of three (occasionally two), 6 to 9 inches long, yellowish-green to dark green, and somewhat stiff.
Bark Characteristics
Thick, deeply furrowed, and scaly. Color ranges from grey-brown to reddish-brown, forming large, irregular plates on mature trees, as visible in the provided image.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Southeastern United States, from southern New Jersey to central Florida and west to eastern Texas.
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen growth; flowers (strobili) appear in early spring; seeds mature in fall of the second year.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun is required; it is moderately drought-tolerant once established but prefers moist, acidic soils and high humidity.
Mature Size
Height of 60 to 90 feet with a spread of 25 to 35 feet; growth rate is fast, often exceeding 2 feet per year.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for timber and pulpwood; excellent fire resistance due to thick bark; provides rapid reforestation and erosion control.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides crucial habitat and food for varieties of birds such as the brown-headed nuthatch and pine warbler; seeds are eaten by squirrels and chipmunks; provides nesting sites for bald eagles and red-cockaded woodpeckers.