Loblolly pine - Pinus taeda (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Loblolly pine

Also known as: Oldfield pine, Frankincense pine

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) is the second-most common tree in the United States after the red maple. The loblolly pine has the largest sequenced genome with 22 billion base pairs. Its genome is 7 times larger than the human genome.

Scientific classification

Species

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

30 m to 35 m

Plant Height

40 cm to 1.5 m

Spread

Green, Yellow, Gold

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Red, Copper, Burgundy

Fruit Color

Yellow, Purple, Red, Brown, Gold, Cream, Lavender, Burgundy

Flower Color

Red, Brown, Black

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Loblolly pine

Attributes of Loblolly pine

Growth Rate

During the active growth seasons of Spring and Summer, loblolly pine displays a rapid growth pattern. This speed impacts the plant's rate of height increase, with it gaining substantial stature within these seasons. Differences in growth rates are discernible between the seasons, primarily due to climatic variations. Furthermore, the accelerated growth rate facilitates faster leaf production and branching, creating a dense canopy. This rapid growth makes loblolly pine one of the fastest-growing pines, crucial in afforestation and timber production.

Distribution of Loblolly pine

Distribution Map

Loblolly pine is native to the southeastern and south central US, where it grows in woodlands and sandy or gravelly savannas. It has been introduced in Australia, France and Korea. Loblolly pine is cultivated in US woodlands for use as lumber.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Flatlands, hills, a variety of soil types

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Loblolly pine is a popular evergreen tree prized for its shape, beautiful green upper canopy, thin needles, and pinecones. It is used in yards as a decorative plant or to attract native species of nesting birds. It is an essential plant in large, natural evergreen gardens. Plant it with ferns and hostas to add color and texture at the base.

Symbolism

Hope, Pity

Name Story

Loblolly pine: The word "loblolly" is a combination of "lob", referring to the thick, heavy bubbling of cooking porridge and "lolly", an old British dialect word for broth, soup, or any other food boiled in a pot. In the southern United States, the word used to mean "a mudhole, a mire," derived from the consistency of porridge. Also, the pine is named as it is generally found in lowlands and swampy areas. Hence, it is called Loblolly pine.

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Quickly Identify Loblolly pine

Tall trunk, reaching 60-90 feet (18-27 meters), with a conical silhouette from needle-like leaves.

Distinctive cones: red to yellow male cones 1 inch (2.5 cm), yellow to purple female cones 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm).

Fruit composed of 3-6 inch (7.6-15.2 cm) ovoid-cylindrical cones with rusty-brown color and sharply-spined scales.

Dark yellow-green needles in bundles of three, measuring 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) with toothed edges.

Sturdy, erect stems with a rough, grayish-brown bark, reaching up to 100 feet (30 meters) with tiered branches.

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Care Guide for Loblolly pine

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from well-drained soils in the southeastern United States, loblolly pine has moderate drought tolerance and needs watering every 1-2 weeks. As an evergreen, loblolly pine requires consistent soil moisture for year-round growth, especially during the growing season when water uptake is essential.

Fertilize: To care for loblolly pine, apply balanced fertilizers in early spring, mid-summer, and late summer based on age and soil tests. Water after fertilizing, avoid over-fertilization, and reduce applications in fall. Proper nutrition enhances growth and stress resistance while ensuring safety and effectiveness.

Pruning: Loblolly pine has a tall trunk and needle-like leaves. Prune in early to late winter to minimize sap loss and disease risk. Techniques include removing dead branches and thinning for better air circulation. Cut just outside the branch collar for proper healing.

Propagation: Propagate loblolly pine through cuttings taken from healthy parent stock. Using semi-hardwood cuttings and a rooting hormone can enhance root development. Place in a sterile medium, maintain moisture, and avoid overwatering. After rooting, gradually harden off young plants before transplanting.

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