Loblolly pine

Description:

Loblollies are the largest pines in the southern US. The needles are in bundles of three and measure up to nine inches long. The picture shows several male cones, which produce pollen (that coats down everything in the area each spring), and a mature female cone.

Habitat:

Loblolly pines grow quickly, even for pines in general, and can take over disturbed areas rapidly. Many of the wildflower spottings I made over the last few years were in recently disturbed grassy areas. Many of these areas are now completely covered with young loblolly pines.