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Bark

Pinaceae

Loblolly pine is the most commonly encountered pine in Texas. It forms extensive forests in the eastern part of the state and is widely planted for timber and landscape purposes throughout the southeastern USA, including east Texas. The fastest growing of all southern pines, it grows in low wet areas and is adaptable to extremes of soil types, although it tends to get chlorotic in higher pH soils. The light green needles are 5 to 9 inches long, in bundles of 3. Fruiting can begin as early as ten years; seeds are an important wildlife food. It is susceptible to fusiform rust, pine tip moth, and pine bark beetles, which can all be limiting factors in the landscape.

Plant Habit or Use: upright conifer medium tree large tree

Exposure: sun

Flower Color: yellowish cones 1/2 - 1 in. long at branch tips

Blooming Period: spring

Fruit Characteristics: cylindrical cones 3-6 in. long, rust-brown

Height: to 90+ ft.

Width: to 30 ft.

Plant Character: evergreen

Heat Tolerance: high

Water Requirements: high medium

Soil Requirements: acid neutral

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

Additional Comments: This is the pine found in the Lost Pines area of Bastrop, although the pines there are shorter than those in the Pineywoods, and are highly drought tolerant.