Loblolly Pine

Description:

Loblolly pine is a large evergreen tree that reaches heights of 90' to 110'. It has a long, clear bole that is occasionally buttressed, ascending limbs, and a rounded, spreading crown. Young trees retain lower branches much longer than slash or longleaf pines. The leaves are needle-like, 4" to 9" long, and borne in fascicles of three. They have a slight bluish-green tinge, are stiff, and sometimes slightly twisted. The fruits of loblolly pine are dark brown, oblong to cylindrical cones, about 3" to 6" long, sessile, and persistent on the trees for several seasons. Loblolly pine produces a large number of cones every year. The bark is grayish-brown and furrowed with elongate, broad, irregular plates. Young twigs are reddish-brown and scaly. Buds at the ends of branches are much thinner than associated slash and longleaf pine.

Habitat:

Sandy soil