Loblolly or longleaf? How do you tell the difference between the two types of pine trees? You can more easily differentiate between the two by looking at their needles and cones. Needles: longleaf pine needles are much longer, growing up to 18 inches in length and are glossy while loblolly pine needles are shorter and a more blue/green color. Pinecones: longleaf pinecones are also larger and spiny whereas loblolly pinecones are smaller and prickly. But there are other ways, too! Let us know your