Loblolly Pine

Description:

This loblolly pine spotting shows the needles and male cones in one photograph, and the larger female cones in the other photograph. This species of pine reaches a height of 30–35 m (98–115 ft) with a diameter of 0.4–1.5 m (1.3–4.9 ft). Exceptional specimens may reach 50 m (160 ft) tall, the largest of the southern pines. Its needles are in bundles of three, sometimes twisted, and measure 12–22 cm (4.7–8.7 in) long; an intermediate length for southern pines, shorter than those of the longleaf pine or slash pine, but longer than those of the shortleaf pine and spruce pine. The needles usually last up to two years before they fall, which gives the species its evergreen character. Although some needles fall throughout the year due to severe weather, insect damage, and drought, most needles fall during the autumn and winter of their second year. The seed cones are green, ripening pale buff-brown, 7–13 cm (2.8–5.1 in) in length, 2–3 cm (0.79–1.2 in) broad when closed, opening to 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in) wide, each scale bearing a sharp 3–6 mm spine. The male cones are responsible for generating large quantities of yellow pollen in the spring.

Habitat:

Native to the Southeastern United States, from central Texas east to Florida, and north to Delaware and Southern New Jersey. This one was spotted at Heggies Rock near Appling (Columbia County), GA.

Notes:

The word loblolly means "low, wet place", but these trees are not limited to that specific habitat. The wood industry classifies the species as a southern yellow pine. U.S. Forest Service surveys found that loblolly pine is the second most common species of tree in the United States, after red maple. Loblolly pines grow well in acidic clay soil, which is common throughout the South, and are thus often found in large stands in rural places. The rate of growth is rapid, even among the generally fast-growing southern pines. The yellowish, resinous wood is highly prized for lumber, but is also used for wood pulp. This tree is commercially grown in extensive plantations.