Loblolly Pine
Pinus taeda
Last reviewed: June 2026
Pinus taeda (Loblolly Pine) is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States from Texas to Virginia. This adaptable pine produces pollen cones from March through May and serves as a host for various butterflies.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Loblolly Pine as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
720"–1200" H × 144"–180" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 11 more states
Pollinators
butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Loblolly Pine is a fast-growing native evergreen tree that can reach 60-100 feet tall with a straight trunk and pyramidal crown. It's one of the most common pines in East Texas, valued for its adaptability and year-round green color. The tree produces small cones and has long needles arranged in bundles of three.
Growing Loblolly Pine
Grow Loblolly Pine in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 720 to 1200 inches tall and spread 144 to 180 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Loblolly Pine takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
- Best suited for backyard or with special approval
Wildlife value
This pine supports various wildlife including birds that nest in its branches and feed on its seeds. It also hosts butterfly caterpillars and provides shelter for many native species.
Common questions
- Where is Loblolly Pine native?
- Loblolly Pine is native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
- When does Loblolly Pine bloom?
- Loblolly Pine produces pollen cones from March through May, with peak pollen release typically occurring in early spring.
- What wildlife does Loblolly Pine support?
- Loblolly Pine serves as a host plant for various butterfly species and provides habitat and food sources for birds and other wildlife through its seeds and dense canopy.
- What growing conditions does Loblolly Pine prefer?
- Loblolly Pine thrives in full sun and tolerates a wide range of moisture conditions from wet to dry soils, making it highly adaptable to different sites.
- Is Loblolly Pine toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Loblolly Pine as toxic to livestock.
- Is Loblolly Pine HOA-friendly?
- Loblolly Pine takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Loblolly Pine fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.