Loblolly Pine

This is the LOBLOLLY PINE. The loblolly pine is the most common pine in the southeast. The name “Loblolly” refers to a “mire” or “mudhole”. These trees were given the name “Loblolly” because they were primarily found in bottomlands and mudhole type areas since they thrive on lots of water.

The loblolly pine is a tall, fast-growing evergreen that can grow to more than 100 feet tall but averages 50 to 80 feet in height with an upright trunk measuring 3 feet wide. The thick, furrowed bark is irregularly shaped and sometimes appears to be flaking off the tree. The leaves are slender, sometimes twisted, dark yellowish-green needles that are 6 to 10 inches long and grow in bundles of three. This tree produces dry, oval brown cones that are 3 to 6 inches in length.

Native to the east coast, the loblolly pine is found growing from New Jersey, south to central Florida, and west to eastern Texas and Oklahoma.

These trees provide shelter and food for many southeastern animals including Carolina chickadees, brown-headed nuthatches, and wild turkey. The seeds are also consumed by chipmunks, squirrels, and other small rodents.

The loblolly pine is one of the most useful trees in the timber industry. Pine is used to make furniture, flooring, pulpwood, plywood, composite boards, crates, boxes, and pallets. Its bark and pine needles are often used for landscaping purposes. Nearly every part of this utilitarian tree is useful to man as well as animals.