How to Tell the Difference Between Loblolly & Long Leaf Pine

Look at the size of the tree. Although both can reach staggering heights in the wild (upwards of 100 feet), those found in the landscape are quite different -- especially if they are young. Longleaf pines younger than around seven years old are small, tufted and have a "grass-like" appearance, according to the University of Florida Extension. Loblolly pines, on the other hand, grow much more quickly and have a pyramidal shape when young. Mature loblolly pines also often lose their lower branches.

Slip on some gardening gloves to protect your hands, and then examine the needles. Longleaf pines have bright-green needles that bend easily and reach lengths of 14 inches. Loblolly needles only reach 9 inches at the most and are brown in the winter.

Pick off a pine cone. Longleaf cones are prickly and can be as large as 10 inches long. They tend to cling to the tree rather than drop easily. Loblolly cones are smaller, between 3 and 6 inches long, and have spines. They cling to the tree in pairs and tend to be greater in number than those produced by Longleaf pines.

Examine the bark. Longleaf pines have very thick, reddish scales. They are rough in appearance and protect the tree from forest fires. The bark of a Loblolly pine is grayish-brown and is formed of broad, long plates.

Look for distinctive clues. One of the most obvious can be seen in the spring, when new growth forms. Longleaf pines develop large, creamy white buds at the ends of the branches. They are quite noticeable, according to the Virginia Tech University extension. Loblolly pines, on the other hand, have unobtrusive, narrow, light-brown buds.