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Loblolly Pine
Pinus taeda
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| Lobolly Pine trees are native to the Florida pine
habitat. Loblolly Pine forests are important for numerous wildlife species. Two
endangered species that use these pines are fox squirrels, who eat the cones, and
red-cockaded woodpeckers, who will sometimes nest in old growth trees. |
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Leaves
Leaves of Loblolly Pine are needle-like, 6-9
inches in length, and are made of 3 (rarely 2) needles per fascicle. The needles are
gray-green, slender, occasionally twisted, and somewhat stiff. Leaves are often persistent
through the end of the second season.
Flowers
The male clusters are yellow. Females are yellow and in clusters of 2 or 3 or are
solitary.
Fruit
The fruit of the Loblolly Pine are in the form of cones. The cones
are 3-6 inches long, narrowly conical to ovoid, and sessile. The cones ripen in autumn of
the second year, and, during fall and early winter, shed many seeds which, by their
inch-long wings, are distributed to the wind. Seeds are 1/4 inch long and dark
brown. The wings are about 3/4 inch long, lustrous, light, and yellowish-brown to gray.
Bark
The bark is nearly black and scaly on young stems. On older stems, it is
divided into irregular, dark brown, scaly blocks and can be 2 inches thick.
Propagation
Loblolly pine propagates by seedlings
Landscape usage
Loblolly Pine
Interesting Facts
The Loblolly Pine tree takes 150 years to mature and is the most
commercially important forest species in the southern United States. It is harvested
for its lumber and pulpwood. |
Loblolly Pine tree.
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Summary
Type: Tree
Salt Tolerant: Yes
Height: 90-110 ft
Spread: 45 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Hardiness: High
Native: Yes
Wildlife: Yes
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Loblolly Pine.
For more detailed information on this
plant go to:
Volusia Extension |
