Pinus taeda (Loblolly Pine)
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Pinus taeda, commonly called loblolly pine, is an evergreen, needled tree native to much of the American southeast, and can be found occurring in large stands in disused fields, especially those with medium to wet, acidic soils. The fastest growing of all pines, loblolly pine can grow to between 60' and 90' tall (occasionally up to 150'), with a canopy of up to 40' in diameter. When young, trees are generally pyramidal in shape, but eventually become more upright with ovular crowns, a natural result of lower branches gradually becoming shaded out and breaking off.
An excellent choice for naturalization projects, especially in areas with wetter soils, Pinus taeda is a host plant for a variety of insect species, including the Gray Spring Zale, Zale submediana, an endangered moth of Maryland. In addition, loblolly pine seeds are used as food by a number of small mammals and over 20 species of birds, including the red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra), which is considered scarce in the eastern half of the country.