Find out about the unique features and more about these best varieties of NC Pine Trees in this well-curated article!
Besides adding visual interest, pine trees are a vital part of North Carolina’s natural landscape. They contribute significantly to the state’s biodiversity and offer habitat to local wildlife.
Pine Trees in NC
1. Table Mountain Pine
Botanical Name – Pinus pungens
Endemic to the Appalachian Mountains, this pine tree boasts stiff, yellow-green needles and brownish cones from September to October. This specimen is used commercially for lumber, pulp, and fuel wood.
2. Loblolly Pine
Botanical Name – Pinus taeda
A member of the Pinaceae family, loblolly pine is a popular landscape tree in North Carolina. It has a high flammability rating, thus not a good choice for small landscapes.
3. Longleaf Pine
Botanical Name – Pinus palustris
Longleaf pine is a gymnosperm tree with needle-shaped leaves, brown bark, and large cones. This state tree of North Carolina offers food and winter cover to local wildlife.
4. White Pine
Botanical Name – Pinus strobus
With resinous cones and bluish-green needles, this evergreen conifer is popular as a Christmas tree in parks and estates. Its brown pine cones are used to decorate model railroading and Christmas trees.
5. Shortleaf Pine
Botanical Name – Pinus echinata
Shortleaf pine is a commercially valuable tree in North Carolina for lumber, plywood, turpentine, and wood pulp. This tree loves full sun but can tolerate light shade occasionally.
6. Pond Pine
Botanical Name – Pinus serotina
This native pine tree has a crooked growth pattern and an irregular top. It’s a common sight near swamps, shallow bays, and ponds on the NC Coastal Plain.
7. Virginia Pine
Botanical Name – Pinus virginiana
Virginia pine is a small evergreen conifer with spiny scaled cones, an irregular crown, and reddish-brown bark. This tree has a short life span of 65-90 years in its native habitat.
8. Slash Pine
Botanical Name – Pinus elliottii
Slash pine is valued in North Carolina for its umbrella-shaped crown, glossy brown cone, and dark green needles. It’s a fast-growing tree that is capable of reaching 100 feet in height.
9. Pitch Pine
Botanical Name – Pinus rigida
Pitch pine is a common sight in the mountainous regions of North Carolina at elevations of 4,500 feet. This conifer is highly susceptible to damage by wind and deer.