loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)
Family: Pinaceae
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Form:
This is a large tree reaching 90-110 ft. in height and 2-3 ft. in dbh. It generally has a dense crown and straight bole. |
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Needles: Arrangement: 3 per fascicle Length: 4-9″ Other: stiff needles |
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Bark:
The bark is dark and scaly when young becoming furrowed with age. It usually has a gray to red-brown tint with platy scales exposing brown inner layers. |
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Cones:
Cones are cylindrical to ovid (similar to slash pine). |
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Distinguishing Characteristics:
Needles often smell like citrus fruit. It has a larger cone than shortleaf pine. |
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Range:
It grows in Virginia south along the coast and west to Texas. |
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Silvics:
It is planted on a variety of soils, but prefers sites with ample moisture and poor drainage. |
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Ecological and Cultural Importance:
It is the leading commercial southern pine. The seeds are eaten by a variety of songbirds and small mammals. |