5 Types Of Pine Trees In Oklahoma

Evergreen pines are a popular choice in Oklahoma for a variety of landscapes, including home gardens, parks, sidewalks, and more. The truth is that planting a pine tree on your property may benefit you in many ways. For one, it is a beautiful tree with lovely foliage that enhances the curb appeal of your home. Plus, these ornamental trees can take the natural beauty of your garden to the next level.

Another reason we love pine trees is that they attract fascinating wildlife. The density of the branches and needles makes pines a great natural habitat for many birds and small animals. Woody pines also make a good food source for animals. Birds, chipmunks, and squirrels love to munch on seeds and woody pine cones.

Tall and sturdy, these trees also double as windbreakers to block out wind and snow around the house. They are pretty hardy, which means they can thrive in a variety of wet, dry, cold, hot, and windy conditions.

They are not particularly picky about the soil either and grow well in a variety of soils. In fact, planting a pine tree in your garden may also help with soil erosion. The roots and pine needles that have fallen to the ground are excellent for holding soil in place.

If you are looking for the ideal tree to grow in Oklahoma, a pine tree may be the ideal choice. They are widespread and highly versatile, which makes them easy to care for. The good news is that there are several different types of pines that do exceptionally well in the climatic conditions of Oklahoma.

As a result, you will have plenty of choices when it comes to picking the perfect tree. Read on to learn about some of the best types of pine trees to grow in Oklahoma.

1. Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)

Loblolly-Pine-Trees
Loblolly Pine Tree

Native to the Southeastern United States, Loblolly pine is an important timber tree. However, it is also grown for its ornamental value. It features a straight trunk and develops a dense oval crown as it matures. It produces yellow, purple, or red flowers in spring. The tree can grow up to 60 to 90 feet tall.

2. Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)

Ponderosa pine goes by a variety of names including Bull pine, Filipinus pine, blackjack pine, and western yellow pine. It is a very large tree, reaching up to 60 to 70 feet in height. Mature trees have yellow to orange-red bark that helps distinguish this tree from other pine varieties. Younger trees have brownish-black bark.

3. Limber pine (Pinus flexilis)

If you are looking for a compact tree to grow in a limited space, Limber pine may be perfect for you. It is a small, scrubby tree with short twisted limbs. Older trees may become very long. However, they have a drooping growth pattern with upturned tips. Needles are an attractive shade of bluish-green and appear in bunches. The average height of a mature Limber pine is about 16 to 30 feet.  

4. Lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana)

Native to Chine, Lacebark pine is an attractive conifer that is favored by gardeners for its pyramidal and somewhat rounded growth. It is a slow-growing, medium-sized tree that usually reaches a height of about 30 to 40 feet. If you are a fan of Lacebark pine but are running short on space, you can also opt for a dwarf lacebark pine variety.  

5. Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata)

Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata)
Kenraiz Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata)

Hailing from North America, Shortleaf pine is another important timber species. It is a large tree featuring a broad, open crown with spreading branches. Foliage is bright green while the trunk has beautiful reddish-brown plates. The tree can reach a height of about 50 to 100 feet.