Loblolly Pine
Arbor Walk #126, TreeKeeper ID #6651
The Loblolly Pine is an iconic tree in the Southeastern United States, dominating the southern pine forests and being grown for lumber in plantations in the region. It is tall, skinny in shape, and a vigorous grower. This species was considered culturally important enough to be taken into space as seeds along with four other species in Apollo 14 and grown as “moon trees” back on Earth.
However, the loblolly pine was not always the dominant tree in the South. The longleaf pine forests reigned until European settlement and regular fire management allowed the loblolly to survive past its role as a pioneer tree species. Research has shown that loblolly pine forests and woodlands may become converted into denser, shadier mixed hardwood stands without consistent fire management.
| Common Name(s) | Loblolly Pine |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Pinus taeda |
| Indigenous Name(s) | |
| Cultivar/Variety | |
| Commercial Name |
Global Distribution
GPS Coordinates
N/A
Percent Concrete
N/A
Distance to Buildings
| Year | Close Building #1 | Close Building #2 | Close Building #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Distance to Other Species
| Year | Close Species #1 | Close Species # 2 | Close Species # 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard Measurements
| Year | Height (m) | DBH (cm) | Crown Diameter N-S (m) | Crown Diameter E-W (m) | Average Crown Diameter (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5.8 | 10 | 2.23 | 1.76 | 1.995 |
Nests and Pests
| Year | Description |
|---|---|
| 2023 | N/A |
Leaf Identification
The Loblolly Pine is an evergreen meaning the leaves stay on all year long. Like all pines (Pinus), the leaves are acicular (needle-like). Each leaf is usually light green and 6″ to 9″ long. There are typically three leaves in each fascicle (bundle).
Twig and Bud Identification
The Loblolly Pine’s twigs are typically orange brown and stout. The buds are ovoid-shaped and reddish-brown with scales.
Bark Identification
The bark of the Loblolly Pine change with age. Young trees are red-brown and have dark gray scales. As it ages, it forms ridges and furrow with rounded plates. Very old trees develop red-brown, flat plates.
Cone Identification
The mature cone of the Loblolly Pine is stalkless and reddish-brown. It is ovoid- to cylindrical-shaped and 3″ to 6″ long. The staminate cones are very long and cylindrical. They are also red to bright yellow and cluster at branch tips. The ovulate cones are yellow to purple.
