The Most Common North Carolina Trees:

An Identification Guide

 
Did you know that the red maple, loblolly pine, and sweetgum trees are some of the most common trees in all of the United States? These trees, along with many others, make up the beautiful forests of North Carolina and can all be identified by their own unique characteristics.

Since you’ve clicked on this article, you’re undoubtedly interested in the most common North Carolina trees and how you can identify them. Maybe you live in North Carolina and would like to know about that tree in your backyard, or you’re a tree identification enthusiast. Whatever the case, you’re in the right place to find all your answers.

By the end of this article, you’ll be able to identify the trees in North Carolina with a mere glance. To start off, we’ll begin with one of the state’s most common and identifiable trees: the red maple.

Red Maple North Carolina Trees

Red maple trees, also known in the scientific community as Acer rubrum,  are one of the most stunning of all trees, particularly in the autumn when their leaves turn bright red. These trees can reach impressive heights of up to 120 feet. The leaves of the red maple can vary from having three or five lobes.

Not only is it one of the most common trees in North Carolina, but it is the single most common tree in the United States. It would be hard not to spot a red maple tree no matter where you might be on the east coast. In fact, red maples are so common and grow so easily that some consider them to be an invasive species.

This is because, in some areas, red maples have pushed out other species of trees such as pines. The roots of red maples are very dense and widespread, making it difficult for other species of trees to grow too close. If you’re trying to grow a red maple, you won’t have much trouble!

Loblolly Pine Trees

Out of all the North Carolina pine trees, the loblolly pine trees, or Pinus taeda, are some of the most common. In fact, the nationwide loblolly tree population is just behind that of the red maples.

Loblolly pines can grow to massive sizes. They often reach 5 feet around their trunks and can grow more than 100 feet high. They are also known to grow very fast and are evergreen.

So, how can you identify loblolly pines from other pines? More often than not, loblolly pines will be found in low, swampy areas with a lot of moisture.

Their needles are very long and can grow up to 10 inches. If you snap off some of these needles, they will have a very strong piney fragrance. The bark of loblolly pines is also quite characteristic in that it appears as hard, grey scales.

Sweetgum Trees

Sweetgum trees, or Liquidambar styraciflua, get their name from the gummy sap that their bark produces when damaged. The leaves of sweetgum trees are star-shaped and can turn a variety of colors in the fall, ranging from yellow to red.

However, the easiest way to recognize sweetgum trees is by their unique fruit known as burrs. These burrs are full of seeds and very spikey. They are often annoying to those who have sweetgum trees on their property because of the way these burrs can stick to clothing and even skin.

The trunks of sweetgum trees can reach 4 feet around and the height can range up to 120 feet. Similar to loblolly pines, sweetgum trees are usually found in wet, swampy areas. In fact, sweetgum trees may even thrive in areas that flood.

The bark of the sweetgum tree has deep ridges on it. The trunks of these trees are also very straight and the wood these trees produce has value in the lumber industry.

River Birch Trees

Most birch trees are found in the northern hemisphere of the United States, but the river birch (Betula nigra) is unique in that it can handle hotter temperatures. Because of this, it can be found in more southern states such as North Carolina. From their name, it should come as no surprise that they are often found near water, especially in areas that flood.

For the same reason, these trees don’t do well during periods of drought. If river birch trees don’t get enough water, you will notice their leaves will start to turn yellow and fall off.

Birch trees can grow to 300 feet in height though their trunks remain thin. The most distinguishing characteristic of birch trees is their bark. Unlike other trees that have hard, dense bark, birch trees have grey, papery bark that you can peel off with your hands.

If you are trying to grow river birch trees, be sure that your soil doesn’t drain too much. Birch trees will only thrive in soil that retains water.

Yellow Poplar Trees

Of all the trees native to North Carolina, yellow poplars are one of the easiest to identify by their leaves since they are the shape of tulips. You can also tell the age of poplar trees by the appearance of their bark. Young trees will have smooth, green bark and as they age, the bark will become grey.

They grow so fast that their wood is rendered weaker than other trees. Yellow poplars also have common problems with pests and don’t like to grow in cramped areas. Because of these factors, growing yellow poplars can be difficult.

The Trees of North Carolina

You now know about some of the most common North Carolina trees and how to identify them. You also know where these trees might be found and how you might care for them!

If you want your property to embody the beauty of North Carolina’s forests, you can tell which trees might be able to thrive on your property and which might not. If you’re still unsure, tree care services are always available to help.

To learn more about trees and tree services, contact us here.