PINE

Loblolly pine (LP; Pinus taeda L.) is an organism of tremendous economic and ecological importance and a key representative of the conifers, an ancient lineage of plants that dominate many of the worlds temperate and boreal ecosystems (Earle 2005). LPs fast growth, amenability to intensive silviculture, and high-quality lumber/pulp have made it the cornerstone of the U.S. forest products industry and the most economically important crop of any kind in the southeastern states. LP is the most commonly planted tree species in America approximately 75% of all seedlings planted each year are LPs (McKeand et al. 2003). Pines and other trees are arguably America's greatest natural resource benefiting humans and wildlife in countless ways. The yearly value of wood, paper, and other tree products equals or exceeds that of every other U.S. crop while the ornamental, aesthetic, recreational, and ecological value of trees is immeasurable. Moreover, LP's ability to efficiently convert CO2 into..

Primary location: Mississippi State United States