| Loblolly Pine is an abundant large tree of all but the driest areas -- probably the most common tree in the eastern half of North Carolina. It frequently colonizes old fields. Durham Co., NC 12/4/05.
| 
| The leaves are about 15-20 cm long and usually have 3-4 needles in a bundle.
|
| Male cones open in early April, releasing huge clouds of yellow pollen, literally covering every surface in the southeastern United States. Durham Co., NC 4/11/09.
|
| Side-by-side comparison of Loblolly Pine (left) and Pond Pine (Pinus serotina) (right). They're difficult to tell apart without a close look at the cones. Pond Pine cones are as broad as long and have weak prickles. Unlike Loblolly Pine, Pond Pine may sprout needles and short branches directly from the trunk. Pond Pine is generally smaller in stature than Loblolly and does not grow as straight. Bladen Co., NC 10/19/2008.
|
| Female Loblolly Pine cones are larger than those of Shortleaf and Virginia, smaller than those of Longleaf. They are armed with stout prickles. Granville Co., NC 4/27/08.
| 
| Granville Co., NC 4/27/08.
| 
| Granville Co., NC 4/27/08.
| 
| Orange Co., NC 5/3/08.
| 
| Orange Co., NC 5/3/08.
| 
| Orange Co., NC 5/3/08.
| 
| Orange Co., NC 5/3/08.
|
| Large tree. Durham, NC 9/9/06.
| 
| The bark on medium-sized trees is dark gray-brown, deeply furrowed, and blocky. Durham Co., NC 12/4/05.
|
| Bark of a large tree. Orange Co., NC 4/12/08.
| 
| Bark of a large tree. Orange Co., NC 4/12/08.
| 
| Large tree. Wake Co., NC 6/8/2012.
|
More information:
Chesapeake Bay Program
Gymnosperm Database
Trees of Alabama and the Southeast
US Forest Service Silvics Manual
Virginia Tech Dendrology
Recommended Tree, Shrub, and Woody Vine Identification Guides
|
|