Loblolly Pine

 Loblolly Pine

Pinus taeda

Loblolly Pine is one of the most common evergreen trees in the US. It is extremely versatile and grows exceptionally well from poor moderately dry to nearly wet soils in its native range, and grows like a weed taking over fields or disturbed sites. It is perfect as a reclamation or erosion prevention tree. Wonderful as a screen due to extreme fast growth rate and versatility to harsh conditions. One of the fastest growing Pine trees in the world. It will put on several feet per year when young. While not super cold hardy, it is the hardiest of the Pines native to the deep South.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-9 (10)

(Horticulturalist Michael Dirr says he has seen them in Central Illinois but "barely surviving")

Mature Size: 40'-90' tall by 20'-40' wide

Light: Full sun

Water: Dry-Moist

 Extremely versatile. Tolerates poor soils from dry to moist and even occasional wet sites.

Soils: Performs best in moist acidic soils 

Will tolerate neutral to slightly alkaline, but doesn't perform its best. Add soil acid to lower pH if soil is alkaline. Tolerates dry to nearly wet soils. Tolerates clay to sand to anything In-between.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen