Loblolly pine
Pinus taeda 路 Pinaceae 路 also Oldfield pine, Bull pine
The fastest-growing southern pine and the backbone of the East Texas timber industry, reaching 60-90 feet with a tall bare trunk and an oval crown of 6-10 inch needles in threes. It gives quick height and screening on acidic soils but is wind-prone, sheds needles and cones constantly, and is highly flammable near structures. Not suited to Austin's alkaline limestone.
Where it stands
Native
- 馃嚭馃嚫 United States 路 Also native in: DC, DE, IL, KY, MD, NJ, VA (USDA PLANTS distribution)source
- 馃嚭馃嚫 AL, United Statessource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 AR, United Statessource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 FL, United Statessource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 GA, United Statessource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 LA, United Statessource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 MS, United Statessource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 NC, United Statessource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 OK, United Statessource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 SC, United Statessource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 TN, United Statessource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 TX, United States 路 Native to the pineywoods of east Texas and the Lost Pines near Bastrop; not suited to Central Texas limestonesource
Care
Plant small seedlings in full sun on acidic, well-drained to moist soil; water through the first summer. Little pruning is needed beyond removing dead lower limbs. Watch for southern pine beetle and pine engraver beetle, especially in drought-stressed trees, and fusiform rust galls. Keep it at least 30 feet from the house for fire and wind safety.
Benefits
Good for