Loblolly Pines
The most common pine trees in Texas are loblolly pines. The Texas Native Plants Database states that loblollies are the fastest-growing pines. The pines have adapted themselves to growing in many different soil types. Loblolly pines are seen throughout the state but are most commonly found in the Eastern part of Texas. They are used for timber and landscaping and the resin is used to make turpentine. The wood is used to make cabinets, plywood and mulch. The seed cones benefit wildlife. Stands of loblolly are used as windbreaks and to prevent soil erosion. The trees reach a height of 30–35 m (98–115 ft) with a diameter of 0.4–1.5 m (1.3–4.9 ft). Exceptional specimens may reach 50 m (160 ft) tall, the largest of the southern pines. …show more content…
The leaves are dark green and needle-like, and occur in bundles of three. They often are twisted and 20–45 cm (7.9–17.7 in) in length. It is one of the two southeastern U.S. pines with long needles, the other being slash pine. The cones, both female seed cones (ovulate strobili) and male pollen cones (staminate strobili), are initiated during the growing season before buds emerge. Pollen cones begin forming in their buds in July, while seed conelets are formed during a relatively short period of time in August. Pollination occurs early the following spring, with the male cones 3–8 cm (1.2–3.1 in) long. The female (seed) cones mature in about twenty months from pollination; when mature they are yellow-brown in color, 15–25 cm (5.9–9.8 in) long, and 5–7 cm (2.0–2.8 in) broad, opening to 12 cm (4.7 in), and have a small, but sharp, downward-pointing spine on the middle of each scale. The seeds are 7–9 mm (0.28–0.35 in) long, with a 25–40 mm (0.98–1.57 in) wing.
Longleaf Pine takes 100 to 150 years to become full size and may live to 500 years old. When young, they grow a long taproot, which usually is 2–3 m (6.6–9.8 ft) long; by maturity they have a wide spreading lateral root system with several deep 'sinker' roots. It grows on well-drained, usually sandy soil, often in pure stands. In northern Alabama, it sometimes occurs on clay soil. The scientific name meaning, "of marshes," is a misunderstanding on the part of Philip Miller who …show more content…
Information from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center states that shortleafs grow from 50 to 100 feet tall and are considered the hardiest and most adaptable of the Southern pines. Shortleafs usually live about 140 years. If damaged, young trees will sprout new growth from the stem. Shortleafs supply wood for construction, barrel making, plywood and pulp. In addition, resin products are made from the sap. Shortleafs are sometimes used for Christmas Trees and canoes. The tree is variable in form, sometimes straight, sometimes crooked, with an irregular crown. This tree reaches heights of 20–30 metres (66–98 ft) with a trunk diameter of 0.5–0.9 metres (1 ft 8 in–2 ft 11