loblolly pine

Plant Type

Large Tree (greater than 25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

60-90 ft. tall
20-40 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Cold moist stratify seeds for 60 days.

Plant Planting Notes

Easily transplanted when young.

Plants/Diseases

Loblolly pines may be affected by pine beetle, pine engraver beetles, fusiform rust, and are susceptible to wind damage.

Wildlife Benefits

Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Three needles per fascicle; 6-10 inches long; finely toothed.

Flowers

Red to yellow male cones and yellow to purple female cones.

Fruit

Three to six inch long ovoid-cylindrical to narrow conical cones.

Bark

Bark is brown to red with ridges and peeling, irregular scales.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, Poorly Drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

A wide variety of habitats from dry-mesic upland forests to bottomland forests, including riparian and maritime forests. Also disturbed areas like road sides. Often planted in pine plantations.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the South Carolina coastal plain, sandhills, and piedmont. Uncommon and exotic in the mountains.