Loblolly Pine Pinus taeda

This fast-growing pine produces abundant seeds; reseeds abandoned fields. Because of its wide range, abundance, And versatility, loblolly pine is the principal commercial pine species in the Southeastern United States.

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Longleaf Pine Pinus palustris

Since the early days of our colonies, longleaf pine has been a prime source of lumber and naval stores (turpentine, tar, pitch, rosin). Has the longest needles of any pine in South Carolina - 8 to 14 inches long.

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Shortleaf Pine Pinus echinata

Needles in clusters of 2's, rarely 3's or 4's. The abundant cones are among the smallest of those of our southern pines - 1.5 to 2.5 inches long, generally clustered, often remain on the twigs for 3 or 4 years.

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Slash pine Pinus elliottii

Along with longleaf, slash pine yields naval stores. Widely planted throughout the Coastal Plain and Sandhills. The scientific name honors noted S. C. botanist Stephen Elliott, who in 1824 first described it as a variety of loblolly pine.

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Virginia pine Pinus virginiana

Stiff, gray-green needles 1.5 to 3 inches long in bundles of 2, often twisted. Cones with sharp prickles. Old, open cones remain on the branches for several years. Capable of growing on eroded and poorly drained sites.

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Spruce pine Pinus glabra

Found on damp coastal sites. Bark and foliage resemble white pine. Also known as Walter pine, honoring S. C. botanist Thomas Walter, who published the first description of the tree in 1788 in his Flora Caroliniana.

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Eastern white pine Pinus strobus

Soft, flexible, bluish-green needles, only native pine in the East with 5 needles. The King's Broad Arrow, used to mark white pine trees reserved as shipmasts for the Royal Navy, helped to stir New England colonists to rebellion.

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Bald cypress Taxodium distichum

Function of the cypress "knees" is not definitely known. Trees may live for over 1,000 years. Wood is durable. Only native southern conifer which sheds its leaves each winter.

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Cabbage Palmetto Sabal palmetto

South Carolina's official state tree, it appears on the state flag and the state seal and gives the state its nickname of the "Palmetto State." Blossoms are excellent sources of nectar from which bees make honey.

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Eastern redcedar Juniperus virginiana

The reddish, aromatic heartwood is used for making cedar chests and closet linings. Once the principal species used to make wooden casings for lead pencils. Heartwood durable, used for fenceposts. A favorite Christmas tree.

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Eastern Hemlock Tsuga canadensis

Evergreen thickets of young hemlock provide excellent cover for wildlife. Can be sheared easily and is sometimes used as a hedge plant. Tolerant of shade and slow in growth.