Loblolly Pine: Pinus taeda (Part 1)

The Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) is a dominant conifer in the southeastern United States. Trees grow rapidly to 50-90 feet and tolerate poor soil including the clay for which Georgia is famous. We tend to take this tree for granted and that’s a pity. The cones are beautiful and it’s worthwhile making the effort to appreciate them

The male (vertical) and female cones (horizontal) developing in mid-January.

A close up of the cones with their protective covering.

The female cones emerging from its protective covering.

The cones just before the male cone starts to release pollen.

The male cone has released its pollen. If you enlarge this photo - click on the image - you can see pollen trapped in a spider web extending from the base of the male cone to the left.

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The female cones are beginning to develop. It’s a waiting game now. To be continued… later.
Click on an image to view a larger image

Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Pinus taeda (Loblolly Pine)

Identification resources:
- North Carolina State University: Pinus taeda (Loblolly Pine)
- Pine

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower