Pinus taeda aka Loblolly Pine

Pinus taeda, or loblolly pine, is a fast-growing evergreen tree. It belongs to the pine family, Pinaceae. Its native range runs from southern New Jersey to Florida. It extends west to eastern Texas. It grows on wet lowlands and on better-drained upland sites. It can form stands and spread into old fields by seed.

Garden height varies among sources and sites. Missouri Botanical Garden gives 40–50 feet [12.2–15.2 metres] in cultivation. Other sources describe trees reaching 80–90 feet [24.4–27.4 metres]. Width ranges from 20–40 feet [6.1–12.2 metres]. Wild trees can exceed 150 feet [45.7 metres]. Young trees have a loose, pyramid-shaped crown. Older trees shed lower limbs and form an oval crown. The trunk stays straight, with branches high above the ground. Young bark has grey-brown scales. Older bark turns red-brown and forms thick, grooved plates.

The stiff, slender needles grow in bundles of three. They have fine teeth and a dark yellow-green colour. Needle length reaches 0.5–0.8 feet [0.15–0.25 metres]. Older needles fall after about three years. This pine makes cones rather than true flowers. Male cones range from red to yellow in spring. Female cones range from yellow to purple. Cone production occurs from March to April. Brown seed cones have sharp spines on their scales. They reach 0.25–0.5 feet [0.08–0.15 metres] long. They shed seeds from autumn into winter. Cones may stay on the branches for several years.

Grow this tree in full sun and acidic soil. It accepts clay, sand, and loam. Sources support both poorly drained and well-drained sites. Moist to wet soil suits it, though established trees tolerate drought. Hot, humid summers and mild winters favour growth. Sources place it in USDA zones 6–9, with 6b a safer lower limit. It needs little pruning and has low maintenance needs. Young trees provide quick screens; older trees give light shade. Its wood supplies pulp, plywood, and building timber. Birds and squirrels eat the seeds. The tree shelters wildlife and hosts moth and butterfly larvae.

Beetles, borers, sawflies, and tip moths can damage it. Fusiform rust and heart rot also occur. Wind can break branches, and roots may reach the surface. Fallen needles and cones create litter. Its high flammability makes planting near homes unsuitable. NC State lists the seeds as edible. PFAF reports a resin-derived vanillin flavouring, but little food value. The evidence does not establish a species-specific toxicity rating.