Loblolly pine
Pinus taeda
A fast-growing native of the southeastern United States, loblolly pine brings a tall trunk and an airy, elevated crown to large landscapes.
- Needles per bundle
- 3
- Typical height
- 60–90 ft
- Typical spread
- 20–40 ft
- USDA hardiness
- 6–9
Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) is associated with southeastern united states. Look for 3 needles per bundle, then confirm with other features and a regional identification guide.
How to recognize loblolly pine
Find three long needles per bundle, clustered toward twig tips. The seed cones have sharp points on their scales. Older trees often have long, bare lower trunks beneath an oval crown.
Where it grows well
Give it full sun and space. Moist, acidic soils and warm, humid summers are a good match. Site selection should account for its mature size, local storm exposure, and wildfire guidance.
Before you plant
Young loblollies can make a temporary screen, but the lower branches may disappear with age. Plan another layer of suitable vegetation if year-round screening at eye level matters. Keep large pines outside the defensible space around homes in fire-prone areas.
Hardiness and size vary with local conditions and provenance. Use the figures here as a starting point, then confirm with a local nursery or extension service. A hardiness zone alone does not establish suitability.
Source & further reading
Source consulted October 21, 2026. This profile is an editorial synthesis, not an on-site assessment.