Photo of Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)

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Photographer & Copyright

© Joseph McPhail

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Public Domain

Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides

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

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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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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Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata) vs. Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)

Updated January 7th, 2023

These pines have a large area of range overlap, can occur in the same habitat, and are often confused. Both have red-brown bark with irregular rectangular plates. They can be distinguished by needle and cone length, presence of resin pockets in bark, and differences in form. P. echinata ranges farther north, is more common on dry uplands, and is more restricted to well-drained sites and leached, nutrient-poor soils with less competing vegetation. P. taeda is more common on moist bottomlands, prefers nutrient-rich soils where there is more competing vegetation, tolerates poorly-drained sites, and ranges farther south and slightly farther west.

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