Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)
Assateague Island
7206 National Seashore Lane
Berlin, MD 21811
One of the most common trees on Assateague Island, the loblolly can grow up to 100 feet tall and up to three feet in diameter; however, along the coast they seldom rise more than 50 feet. Because of the shade from these trees, a loblolly wood will have few smaller trees or shrubs. Often during a storm you'll find ponies and deer taking refuge in the wide spaces beneath them. The pine woods are also home to the Delmarva fox squirrel, and on the refuge, you'll spot squirrel houses attached to these trees.
The loblolly's yellow-green needles can become up to nine inches long and usually grow in bunches of three. Cones up to nine inches long can be found, each with scales tipped with prickles.
In several areas on the Assateague refuge, you'll note that the loblolly pines have been cut down and burned. Unfortunately, a Southern pine beetle infestation hit the refuge in 1994, and the dead trees have had to be destroyed. New pines are growing naturally, and in many of the devastated areas, oaks and other hardwoods have been planted. The middle-side photo was taken along the Wildlife Loop (map).
Contact Information
PO Box 38
8586 Beach Rd
Chincoteague, VA 23336
Phone: 410-641-1441
Copyright ©1997-2009 The Assateague Naturalist
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