Photographer & Copyright

© Jeff Clark

Photo Source

CC BY 4.0

Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides

This photo is featured in 3 plant ID/comparison guides:

collage of Pitch Pine and Loblolly Pine

Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida) vs. Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)

Updated February 4th, 2023

These species have only a small range of overlap, but can be easily confused in this region. Both can have yellow-green needles in bundles of three, and both can occur in sandy soil. They are easily distinguished by differences in cones, sprouting, needle length, and form. P. rigida is usually found in dry, barren, fire-prone habitats such as rock outcroppings or excessively-drained sands, whereas P. taeda is most likely on moist, rich sites, and on poorly-drained sites. These two pines can hybridize in the wild, and hybrids are also planted in landscaping, so it may not be possible to identify all individuals.

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collage of Loblolly Pine and Slash Pine

Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) vs. Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii)

Updated January 24th, 2023

These pines are sometimes confused; both grow on wet, poorly-drained sites and have needles of roughly similar length. They are easily distinguished by bark and growth habit, and can also usually be distinguished by needle count and characteristics of fresh cones. P. taeda ranges farther north and is less fire-tolerant, whereas P. elliotti ranges farther south and is more fire-tolerant.

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collage of Loblolly Pine and Eastern White Pine

Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) vs. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Updated January 8th, 2023

Both of these pines like richer, moister habitats than most pines. Although their range overlap is limited in the wild, both are widely planted in landscaping and forest plantations, and both have expanded their ranges near the area of overlap. They are easily distinguished by needles, bark, cones, and form. P. taeda ranges much farther south, requires more sun, is more tolerant of poor drainage, and is more likely in flat terrain. P. strobus is more shade-tolerant, more demanding of good drainage, and is more likely in sheltered ravines.

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