Loblolly Pine
Pinus taeda · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Pinaceae
Tree Category
Timber Tree, Forest Tree, Shade Tree, Conifer
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species (Natural stand)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 6 through 9.
About This Tree
A fast-growing, large coniferous tree with a straight trunk and a rounded crown. It typically loses its lower branches as it matures, leaving a high, airy canopy.
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, scaly, and deeply furrowed with age. Mature bark forms rectangular or square plates that are dark reddish-brown to nearly black, often revealing cinnamon-colored inner layers.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Southeastern United States, from New Jersey south to Florida and west to Texas.
Growing Season
Year-round growth; produces pollen in early spring (March-April). Cones mature over two growing seasons and release seeds in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun; high water requirements but exhibits moderate drought tolerance once established. Prefers acidic, moist, poorly drained to well-drained soils.
Mature Size
Reaches 60 to 90 feet in height 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. It is fire-resistant when mature due to its thick bark and has high tolerance for urban pollution and varied soil conditions.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides critical habitat and nesting sites for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Seeds are a major food source for squirrels, chipmunks, and various songbirds.