Loblolly Pine (Pinus Taeda)

Loblolly Pine

Features and Characteristics

Pinus taeda, commonly called Loblolly pine, is a fast-growing, medium to tall conifer that is common to the southeastern U.S. where it typically grows from sea level to 2400’ in a variety of conditions ranging from poorly-drained low wet areas, bottomland forests and flatlands to well-drained upland soils. It is native from southern New Jersey to Florida and west to eastern Texas. It sometimes grows in pure stands. It typically grows to 40-50’ in cultivation, but may reach 90’ tall or more in the wild. This tree is particularly noted for its straight trunk. It loses its lower branches as it matures, gradually developing a dense oval-rounded crown. Dark yellow-green needles (5-10” long) in bundles of three (infrequently in bundles of two) are finely-toothed, stiff and slender. Stalkless, oval-cylindrical cones (3-6” long) with sharply-spined scales appear in groups of 2- Scaly gray bark develops furrows with age. This is an important timber tree whose wood is used for pulp, plywood and general construction.

Genus name comes from the Latin name for pines.

Specific epithet of taeda comes from a Latin word for pine tree.

Common name of loblolly means mudhole in reference to the swampy areas where this tree often grows in the wild.

Care and Maintenance

Grow in medium to wet soils in full sun. Prefers moist, acidic soils with poor drainage. No tolerance for shade. Performs best in climates with hot and humid summers and mild winters. Commonly spreads into old fields by self-seeding. Hardy to around Zones 6b (-5-0°F). Not reliably winter hardy to the St. Louis area.

Loblolly Pine (Pinus Taeda) Requirements

Hardiness zone	6 - 9
Sun light	Full Sun
Water	Medium To Wet
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

In its native habitat, healthy, well-maintained trees usually have few major problems. Susceptible to southern pine beetle and pine engraver beetle. Fusiform rust and rots may occur. Winter hardiness is a problem in the St. Louis area.

Uses

Loblolly pine is infrequently sold in commerce outside of its native habitat. It is an excellent tree for moist low areas with poor drainage. It also serves as a good screen.

Loblolly Pine (Pinus Taeda) Details

Common name	Loblolly Pine
Botanical name	Pinus Taeda
Plant type	Needled Evergreen
Family	Pinaceae
Hardiness zone	6 - 9
Water	Medium To Wet
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Non-Flowering
Flowering period	Non-Flowering
Height	40 - 90 Ft.
Width	20 - 40 Ft.