Pinus taeda
A commercially vital pine of the Southeastern U.S.
Pinus taeda, commonly known as loblolly pine, is a species of pine native to the Southeastern United States, from East Texas to Florida up to southern New Jersey. It is the second-most common species of tree in the United States after red maple, and is regarded as the most commercially important tree in the Southeastern U.S. for its timber. The common name 'loblolly' refers to its prevalence in lowlands and swampy areas. The tree can reach a height of exceptional specimens up to the largest of the southern pines, with a diameter to match. Its needles, which are yellowish-green to grayish green, grow in bundles of three and are an intermediate length among southern pines, lasting up to two years before falling, primarily in autumn and winter of their second year. The seed cones are green, ripening to a pale buff-brown, and each scale bears a sharp spine. The bark is reddish brown and deeply fissured into broad, scaly plates on older trees. Loblolly pines are among the fastest-growing pines, averaging about two feet per year, making them highly valuable for lumber and pulpwood. The wood is marketed as yellow pine. Historically, the species was also known as oldfield pine for its tendency to colonize abandoned fields, bull pine for its size, rosemary pine for its fragrance, and North Carolina pine. Ecologically, it has become more prevalent in parts of the Deep South that were once dominated by longleaf and slash pines, partly due to wildfire suppression. The loblolly pine was the first among over 100 species of Pinus to have its complete genome sequenced, and in March 2014 it held the record for the largest sequenced genome, with 22 billion base pairs—seven times larger than the human genome. It was selected as the official state tree of Arkansas in 1939. Notable individual trees include the Eisenhower Tree at Augusta National Golf Club, severely damaged by an ice storm in 2014 and subsequently removed, and the Morris Pine in Arkansas, over 300 years old. Loblolly pine seeds were also carried aboard the Apollo 14 mission, with some of the resulting "moon trees" still alive today.
- field
- Botany, Forestry
- native_range
- Southeastern United States (East Texas to Florida, up to southern New Jersey)
- known_for
- Most commercially important tree in the Southeastern U.S.; first Pinus species with complete genome sequenced
- genome_size
- 22.18 billion base pairs (seven times larger than human genome)
Lore & Background
Loblolly pine can reach heights of 30–35 meters, with exceptional specimens up to 50 meters, making it the largest of the southern pines. Its needles are in bundles of three, 12–22 centimeters long, and yellowish-green to grayish green. The bark is reddish brown and deeply fissured into scaly plates on older trees. The seed cones are green, ripening pale buff-brown, 7–13 cm in length, with each scale bearing a sharp spine. The species grows rapidly, averaging 2 feet per year, and its lumber is marketed as yellow pine, used similarly to other southern pines. The tallest known loblolly pine, 51.4 meters tall, and the largest, measuring 42 cubic meters in volume, are both in Congaree National Park.
Reader's Guide
Loblolly pine is a fast-growing species that thrives in lowlands, swampy areas, and acidic clay soils across the Southeastern United States, from East Texas to southern New Jersey. It is the second-most common tree in the country and the most commercially important timber species in the region, classified as a southern yellow pine. The tree can reach exceptional heights, with the tallest known specimen located in Congaree National Park. Its needles, borne in bundles of three, are yellowish-green to grayish-green and typically last two years before falling, with most dropping in autumn and winter of the second year. The bark is reddish brown and deeply fissured into scaly plates on older trees. Ecologically, wildfire suppression has allowed loblolly pine to expand into areas once dominated by longleaf and slash pines. It is preyed upon by insects such as the Nantucket Pine Tip moth, which bores into young shoots. The species is also notable for its role in the Lost Pines Forest of Texas, an isolated population on acidic sandy soil. Loblolly pine was the first among over 100 pine species to have its complete genome sequenced, a landmark achievement as its genome, with 22 billion base pairs, was the largest assembled until 2018. This genomic work provided insights into conifer biology, including high levels of repetitive DNA and inbreeding depression. Historically, seeds from this species were carried aboard Apollo 14 and planted as “moon trees” at various U.S. sites, including the White House grounds. The famous Eisenhower Tree on the 17th hole of Augusta National Golf Club was a loblolly pine, removed after ice storm damage in 2014.
Did You Know?
- Loblolly pine is the second-most common tree species in the United States, after red maple.
- Its genome, with 22 billion base pairs, is seven times larger than that of humans.
- Loblolly pine seeds were carried aboard the Apollo 14 flight and planted in several locations, including the White House grounds.
- The tallest known loblolly pine, 51.4 meters tall, is located in Congaree National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pinus taeda?
Pinus taeda, commonly called loblolly pine, is a fast-growing pine species native to the Southeastern United States. It ranks as the second-most common tree species in the entire U.S., trailing only red maple.
Why is Pinus taeda considered so commercially important?
It is widely regarded as the most economically significant timber tree in the Southeastern U.S., prized for its rapid growth and high-quality wood. This makes it a cornerstone of the region's forestry and paper industries.
Where does Pinus taeda naturally grow?
Its native range stretches from East Texas through Florida and up to southern New Jersey, covering much of the Southeastern United States. The name 'loblolly' itself hints at its preference for low-lying and swampy terrain.
What is notable about Pinus taeda's genome?
It was the first species in the genus Pinus to have its complete genome sequenced. Its genome spans roughly 22.18 billion base pairs, making it about seven times larger than the human genome.
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