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 –Â 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 –Â 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 –Â 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 –Â 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 –Â 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 –Â 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 –Â 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 –Â 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 –Â 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.