Cones have short, stout, triangular spines.
Loblolly pine is monoecious. Loblolly pine is a prolific and consistent seed producer in the Coastal Plain and produces large amounts of seed every 3 to 6 years in the Piedmont. Germination is epigeal and is enhanced by bare mineral soil. Loblolly pine is predominantly found on Ultisols but can grow on a wide variety of soils including Entisols, Spodosols, and Altisols. Loblolly pine is moderately tolerant of shade when young but becomes intolerant with age.