Loblolly Pine
Pinus taeda · Also known as: loblolly, North Carolina pine
Tall Southern pine of Delmarva’s coastal plain. Needle canopy and resinous bark behind the dunes on the way to Assateague.
Quick facts
| Group | Coastal forest |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★★★☆ |
| Habitats | Mainland near OC, Assateague State Park, Assateague National Seashore, Coastal bays |
| Seasons (this coast) | year-round |
How to recognize them
- Long needles in bundles of three; straight trunk with plate-like reddish-brown bark on older trees.
- Cones oval, often with sharp prickles; young trees conical, mature crowns narrow and high.
Biology notes
- Fast-growing pioneer of wet lowlands and old fields; dominant pine of the Mid-Atlantic coastal plain.
- Provides nest sites for bald eagles and ospreys near bays; understory often wax myrtle and oak.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Assateague Island State Park and mainland approach roads through Worcester County.
- West Ocean City and Berlin-area woods between bay and resort strip.
- Bayside campground edges and nature trails under open pine canopy.
When to look
- Evergreen needles year-round; fresh cones fall autumn into winter.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Listen for pine warblers and woodpeckers in spring; look up for osprey nests on dead snags near water.
- Fallen cones crunch underfoot on shaded trails—a classic Delmarva sound.
