Loblolly Pine Tree

Description:

Loblolly pine can reach a height of 115 feet. Exceptional specimens may reach 160 feet tall, the largest of the southern pines. Its needles are in bundles of three, sometimes twisted, and measure 12–22 cm 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.

Habitat:

Pinus taeda, commonly known as loblolly pine, is one of several pines native to the Southeastern United States, from central Texas east to Florida, and north to Delaware and southern New Jersey. The common name loblolly is given because the pine species is found mostly in lowlands and swampy areas.