Pinus taeda
A commercially vital pine of the Southeastern U.S.
Pinus taeda, commonly known as loblolly pine, is a species of pine native to the Southeastern United States, from East Texas to Florida up to southern New Jersey. It is the second-most common species of tree in the United States after red maple, and is regarded as the most commercially important tree in the Southeastern U.S. for its timber. The common name 'loblolly' refers to its prevalence in lowlands and swampy areas.
- field
- Botany, Forestry
- native_range
- Southeastern United States (East Texas to Florida, up to southern New Jersey)
- known_for
- Most commercially important tree in the Southeastern U.S.; first Pinus species with complete genome sequenced
- genome_size
- 22.18 billion base pairs (seven times larger than human genome)
Lore & Background
Loblolly pine can reach heights of 30–35 meters, with exceptional specimens up to 50 meters, making it the largest of the southern pines. Its needles are in bundles of three, 12–22 centimeters long, and yellowish-green to grayish green. The bark is reddish brown and deeply fissured into scaly plates on older trees. The seed cones are green, ripening pale buff-brown, 7–13 cm in length, with each scale bearing a sharp spine. The species grows rapidly, averaging 2 feet per year, and its lumber is marketed as yellow pine, used similarly to other southern pines. The tallest known loblolly pine, 51.4 meters tall, and the largest, measuring 42 cubic meters in volume, are both in Congaree National Park.
Reader's Guide
Loblolly pine holds significant ecological and economic importance in the Southeastern United States. It is the second-most common tree species in the U.S. and the most commercially important tree in the region, valued for its timber and pulpwood. Its rapid growth makes it a staple in the lumber industry, and it is extensively grown in plantations. This genomic achievement provided insights into conifer biology, including high levels of repetitive DNA and inbreeding depression.
Did You Know?
- Loblolly pine is the second-most common tree species in the United States, after red maple.
- Its genome, with 22 billion base pairs, is seven times larger than that of humans.
- Loblolly pine seeds were carried aboard the Apollo 14 flight and planted in several locations, including the White House grounds.
- The tallest known loblolly pine, 51.4 meters tall, is located in Congaree National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pinus taeda?
Pinus taeda, commonly called loblolly pine, is a fast-growing pine species native to the Southeastern United States. It ranks as the second-most common tree species in the entire U.S., trailing only red maple.
Why is Pinus taeda considered so commercially important?
It is widely regarded as the most economically significant timber tree in the Southeastern U.S., prized for its rapid growth and high-quality wood. This makes it a cornerstone of the region's forestry and paper industries.
Where does Pinus taeda naturally grow?
Its native range stretches from East Texas through Florida and up to southern New Jersey, covering much of the Southeastern United States. The name 'loblolly' itself hints at its preference for low-lying and swampy terrain.
What is notable about Pinus taeda's genome?
It was the first species in the genus Pinus to have its complete genome sequenced. Its genome spans roughly 22.18 billion base pairs, making it about seven times larger than the human genome.
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