Dwarf Loblolly Pines
The
dwarf loblolly pines (Pinus taeda 'Nana') are among the finest and
most unique plants at the JC Raulston Arboretum, being the world's only collection
of dwarf loblolly pines. Unlike typical loblolly pines found throughout the
South, these are slow growing, with handsome dense rounded crowns.
The collection originated from research conducted by the Forestry School at NC State University on abnormal growths that occur in loblolly pines, called "witch's brooms." Hoping to produce new and improved trees for the forestry industry, seeds from pinecones from the witch's brooms were collected and planted from1964 to1967. The offspring did not develop into the anticipated faster growing loblolly pines desired by the forest industry, but instead resulted in these dwarf, dense, slow-growing pines. Recognizing the potential ornamental value of these plants, they were given to the Horticulture Department at NCSU. Nineteen specimens are presently located throughout the JC Raulston Arboretum.
These dwarf loblolly pines have proven to be well adapted to the hot summers of the South. Introduction to the nursery industry remains restricted by the difficulty in their propagation.