In the past couple of decades, institutions and individuals across Pennsylvania have experimented with planting Loblolly pine. For the most part, especially for those in southern PA, the experiment has been a great success. Pinus taeda is an attractive and fast-growing conifer that could bring more psuedo-native biodiversity to the state. However, its high flammability rating is not something to be ignored.
As we look to the future of our forests, we must reconcile that some endemic species may not survive in a warmer climate. Therefore, it's important for us to consider growing and planting unconventional species to fill ecological and cultural niches left empty by species that may die out.
This infographic series was inspired in part by a presentation given by Jehane Samaha at the 2024 Canopy Conference at Haverford College, where she explored tree species that we may see more of in Pennsylvania as the climate warms. Loblolly pine was one species she profiled. For the two range maps, we utilized data from the Community Climate System Model, version 4.0.
To view the second page, mouse over the infographic and click the arrows in the bottom left corner.
Sources:
• North Carolina State University Extension. (n.d.). Pinus taeda. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pinus-taeda/
• United States Forest Service. (n.d.). loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Climate Change Atlas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/nrs/atlas/tree/131
Created by Faryn Steckiel, Urban Forestry Fellow
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