Pinus taeda (Loblolly Pine)

Pinus taeda, commonly called loblolly pine, is a large, coniferous evergreen tree native to much of the American southeast, typically growing in large stands in disused agricutlural fields and other disturbed sites, especially those with medium to wet, acidic soils. The fastest growing of all pines, loblolly pine can put on over 2' in height a year to a mature size of 60' and 90' tall (occasionally up to 150'), with a canopy 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 over time.

An excellent choice for naturalization and mitigation projects, especially in areas with wetter soils, Pinus taeda is tolerant of drought, some salt exposure, and heavy soils, and has a ton of ecological appeal too, acting as a host plant for a variety of insect species, including the Gray Spring Zale (Zale submediana), an endangered moth of Maryland. In addition to insects, 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.