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Longleaf pine

The longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), also known as longstraw or southern yellow pine, is a long-lived, evergreen conifer species native to the southeastern United States, distinguished by its exceptionally long needles (8–18 inches or 20–46 cm) that occur in bundles of three, large woody cones (6–10 inches or 15–25 cm long), and a straight trunk that can reach heights of 80–110 feet (24–34 m) with diameters up to 2.5 feet (0.8 m).^[1]^[2] It features thick, scaly, reddish-brown bark that provides fire resistance, and its seedlings spend 2–7 years in a "grass stage" developing deep taproots (up to 12 feet or 3.7 m) and extensive lateral roots before rapid vertical growth begins.^[1]^[3] Historically, longleaf pine dominated approximately 60–90 million acres across the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains from southeastern Virginia to eastern Texas, including parts of the Piedmont and Ridge and Valley provinces, thriving on well-drained, sandy, infertile soils (such as Ultisols, Entisols, and Spodosols) in warm, temperate climates with 43–69 inches (1,100–1,750 mm) of annual precipitation.^[1]^[2] Today, its range has been reduced to less than 6% of its original extent (approximately 5 million acres as of 2023) due to logging, agriculture, fire suppression, and habitat conversion, confining it largely to protected federal, state, and private lands.^[3]^[4] Ecologically, longleaf pine is a pyrophytic species highly dependent on frequent low-intensity fires to maintain open, park-like savannas with a diverse understory of wiregrass, bluestems, forbs, shrubs, and oaks, which suppress competing hardwoods and promote seed germination.^[2]^[3] It supports over 30 endemic or associated species, including the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, gopher tortoise, bobwhite quail, and fox squirrel, providing habitat, seeds (the largest among southern pines, with 3,000–7,000 per pound), and forage.^[1]^[3] The species has significant economic and cultural value, historically prized for durable timber in shipbuilding, poles, plywood, and flooring, as well as naval stores like turpentine and rosin from its resin, and modern uses including pine straw mulch and erosion control on poor soils.^[2] Conservation efforts, including the America's Longleaf initiative, focus on prescribed burns, seedling planting, and habitat restoration to reverse declines and preserve its role in biodiversity hotspots like the longleaf pine ecosystem, having increased its extent to approximately 5 million acres as of 2023 with goals to reach 8 million by 2040.^[3]^[4]

Taxonomy and Description

Taxonomy

The longleaf pine is scientifically classified as Pinus palustris Mill., a species first described by the British botanist Philip Miller in his 1768 edition of The Gardeners Dictionary.^[5]^[6] This binomial name places it within the genus Pinus, reflecting its membership in one of the most diverse and widespread genera of conifers.^[5] In the broader taxonomic hierarchy, P. palustris belongs to the kingdom Plantae, phylum Tracheophyta, class Pinopsida, order Pinales, and family Pinaceae.^[5]^[7] Within the genus Pinus, it is situated in subgenus Pinus, section Trifoliae, and subsection Australes, a grouping that includes other southern yellow pines adapted to similar environments.^[8] The specific epithet "palustris" derives from the Latin word for "of the marsh" or "swamp-dwelling," stemming from Miller's observation that the tree "grows naturally on swamps in many parts of North America."^[8] This etymology is considered a misnomer, as P. palustris predominantly inhabits well-drained, upland sandy soils rather than wetlands.^[9] The generic name "Pinus" simply originates from the Latin term for pine trees, used since ancient times to denote coniferous species with needle-like leaves.^[10] Historical synonyms for P. palustris include Pinus australis Michx. f., proposed by André Michaux in 1803 to emphasize its southern distribution, and Pinus longifolia Salisb., an earlier superfluous name from 1796.^[11] These variations arose from early botanical explorations in the southeastern United States but have since been consolidated under Miller's original nomenclature.^[8] No formal subspecies or varieties of P. palustris are recognized in current taxonomy, though studies reveal significant genetic variation across its populations, including differences in allele frequencies and heterozygosity levels that reflect historical and regional adaptations.^[5]^[12] For instance, isozyme analyses indicate high polymorphism (92% of loci) and an average of 2.9 alleles per locus, supporting its resilience as a widespread conifer species.^[12]

Physical Description

The longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) is a large evergreen conifer that typically attains a mature height of 30 to 35 meters (98 to 115 feet), with a trunk diameter up to 0.8 meters, though historical records indicate exceptional individuals reaching up to 47 meters (154 feet) in old-growth stands.^[13]^[14] The tree develops an open, rounded crown in maturity, supported by a straight trunk covered in thick, reddish-brown bark composed of scaly plates that can reach up to 2.5 centimeters in thickness, enhancing its resilience to environmental stresses such as fire.^[15]^[16] Its leaves consist of dark green needles arranged in bundles of three, measuring 20 to 45 centimeters in length, with a pliable texture and fine serrations along the margins; these needles persist for 1 to 2 years before shedding.^[1]^[17] The reproductive structures include ovoid female cones that grow 15 to 25 centimeters long, featuring reddish-brown scales armed with sharp spines, and require approximately two years (around 20 months) to mature and release winged seeds.^[15]^[18] A distinctive feature of the longleaf pine is its prolonged juvenile "grass stage," lasting 2 to 7 years, during which the seedling resembles a tuft of grass, reaching only 30 to 50 centimeters in height while developing a robust bud-like terminal and extensive root system before initiating rapid vertical growth.^[19]^[1] The species reaches maturity in 100 to 150 years but can achieve a maximum lifespan of up to 500 years under favorable conditions.^[20]^[19] The wood of the longleaf pine is heavy, resinous, and straight-grained, prized for its strength and durability, with a density of approximately 0.59 g/cm³ that contributes to its use in construction and other applications.^[17]^[21]

Distribution and Habitat

Native Range

The longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) is native to the southeastern United States, with its historical range spanning the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains from East Texas eastward to southern Virginia and southward to northern Florida, including extensions into the Piedmont and mountains of northern Alabama and northwestern Georgia.^[22] Prior to European settlement, these ecosystems covered approximately 92 million acres (37 million hectares), representing one of the most extensive forest types in the region.^[22] Today, the species' distribution has been drastically reduced to approximately 5.2 million acres (2.1 million hectares) as of 2024, occurring in fragmented patches across its native range in 10 states. This represents an increase from approximately 3.4 million acres in 2009 due to restoration initiatives.^[23]^[4] It remains most abundant in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas, where the majority of remaining stands are concentrated, while scattered occurrences persist in Arkansas and Virginia.^[22]^[24] The elevation range of longleaf pine extends from sea level to 600 meters (2,000 feet), though it is primarily associated with the coastal plain environments within its native extent.^[2]

Habitat Preferences

The longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) thrives in well-drained, sandy soils such as Ultisols (e.g., Typic Paleudults), Entisols (e.g., Quartzipsamments), and Spodosols (e.g., Aquods), which are typically low in fertility and organic matter, with an acidic pH ranging from 4.5 to 6.0.^[2]^[15]^[25] These soils, often derived from marine sediments, granite, or sandstone, support optimal root development and minimize waterlogging risks.^[2] Climatically, longleaf pine favors warm temperate to subtropical conditions with annual mean temperatures of 16–23°C and precipitation of 1,090–1,750 mm, characterized by summer peaks and occasional fall droughts.^[2] It performs best on flat to gently rolling topography in coastal plains, at elevations from sea level to 600 m (predominantly below 200 m), where drainage is adequate and heavy clay or poorly drained sites are avoided.^[2] In its preferred habitat, longleaf pine forms open woodlands associated with grasses like wiregrass (Aristida stricta), bluestems, and panicums, alongside scattered oaks and hardwoods, with minimal midstory competition maintained by periodic fire.^[2]^[26] Once established, it exhibits strong drought resistance and tolerance to poor soils and fire (except for very young seedlings), but remains sensitive to prolonged flooding and shade from competing vegetation, requiring full sun exposure for vigorous growth.^[2]

Ecology

Life Cycle and Reproduction

The life cycle of the longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) begins with seed production, which typically commences when trees reach 20 to 30 years of age, corresponding to a diameter at breast height of about 25 to 38 cm.^[2] Mature female cones, measuring 10 to 25 cm in length, develop over two years and produce an average of 35 winged seeds per cone, with good seed years yielding up to 50 seeds and poor years as few as 15.^[27] These samara-like seeds, numbering 6,600 to 15,400 per kilogram, are primarily dispersed by wind and gravity, with approximately 71% falling within 20 meters of the parent tree during late October to November.^[27] Germination occurs epigeally and rapidly, often within one week of dispersal under suitable conditions, but requires direct contact with bare mineral soil for success; litter, duff, or vegetative cover inhibits this process, and scarification can enhance viability in controlled settings.^[2] In natural environments, germination is influenced by soil exposure, moisture, and predation, though overall seedling establishment is much lower due to subsequent losses.^[28] The initial seedling phase emphasizes subterranean development, with rapid taproot elongation—often reaching depths of 1 to 2 meters—while aboveground growth remains minimal, forming a dense tuft of needles that protects the apical bud.^[29] Following germination, longleaf pine enters the characteristic grass stage, lasting 2 to 7 years (occasionally up to 15 years or more under high competition), during which the plant resembles a tufted grass with limited height increase but extensive lateral root expansion for resource acquisition and drought tolerance.^[29] Transition to the bolt stage occurs when the root collar reaches about 2.5 cm in diameter, triggering rapid vertical growth at rates of 1 to 2 meters per year for 10 to 20 years, allowing the tree to quickly escape ground-level threats and overtop competitors.^[2] Maturity is attained around 30 to 50 years, marked by sustained cone production and crown development, with trees potentially living 200 to 300 years or more under optimal conditions.^[2] Reproduction is monoecious and anemophilous, with male catkins forming in the upper crown during July to August and releasing copious yellow pollen in late winter to early spring (February to April), lasting 5 to 21 days depending on temperature.^[27] Female conelets, also initiated in summer, receive pollen but undergo fertilization only in the following spring, leading to cone maturation by September to October of the second year; this delayed fertilization ensures embryo viability but synchronizes seed release with fall dispersal.^[2] Longleaf pine lacks serotinous cones, releasing seeds annually rather than storing them, but its regeneration strongly depends on frequent low-intensity fires, which prepare mineral seedbeds by removing organic layers and reducing herbaceous competition, thereby boosting establishment rates.^[28] Throughout the life cycle, mortality is particularly acute during early stages; up to 90% of seeds may be lost to wildlife predation, and without fire, seedling mortality can exceed 90% due to competition, drought, and pathogens like brown-spot needle blight, underscoring the species' adaptation to fire-maintained ecosystems.^[30] Fire not only aids regeneration but also stimulates growth in established grass-stage seedlings once their root collars exceed 0.8 cm in diameter, conferring resistance to low-severity burns.^[27]

Ecological Interactions

The longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) is a pyrophytic species highly adapted to frequent low-intensity surface fires, which are essential for maintaining its dominance in southeastern ecosystems. These fires, occurring every 2–4 years historically due to lightning or Indigenous practices, clear competing hardwoods and shrubs from the understory, promoting open savanna conditions that favor longleaf regeneration.^[29] The thick, scaly bark of mature trees insulates the cambium from lethal heat, while fires expose mineral soil necessary for seed germination and trigger the transition from the protective grass stage to rapid height growth in seedlings.^[31] Additionally, fire enhances nutrient cycling by mineralizing organic matter and reducing litter accumulation, thereby sustaining soil fertility in nutrient-poor sandy substrates typical of longleaf habitats.^[31] Longleaf pine ecosystems are biodiversity hotspots, supporting one of the most diverse temperate plant communities north of Mexico, with up to 40 plant species per square meter in the understory.^[32] These forests harbor approximately 30–40 federally listed threatened or endangered species, many of which depend on the open structure maintained by fire.^[33] Notable examples include the red-cockaded woodpecker (Dryobates borealis), which excavates nesting cavities in the soft heartwood of mature longleaf trees, providing habitat for over 27 other vertebrate and invertebrate species; the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), whose burrows aerate soil and shelter more than 300 associated species including amphibians and insects; and the eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi), which uses tortoise burrows and fallen longleaf logs for refuge and foraging.^[29]^[32] The longleaf pine forms key symbiotic relationships that bolster ecosystem resilience in infertile soils. Ectomycorrhizal fungi colonize the tree's roots, forming mutualistic associations that improve phosphorus and nitrogen uptake, enabling growth in sandy, low-nutrient environments where non-mycorrhizal plants struggle.^[34] Understory plants, such as wiregrass (Aristida stricta) and nitrogen-fixing legumes like partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata), contribute to soil enrichment; these legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen, replenishing losses from frequent fires and supporting the overall plant community.^[35] Within the food web, longleaf pine serves as a foundational species for trophic interactions. Its seeds provide nourishment for small mammals such as fox squirrels (Sciurus niger), which cache and disperse pine seeds, while white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) browse understory vegetation enhanced by fire.^[36] Resin exudes from the bark attract specialized insects, including bark beetles and ants, which in turn support higher predators like woodpeckers. Fallen trees and snags create microhabitats for decomposers, including fungi and saproxylic invertebrates, facilitating nutrient return to the soil and sustaining detrital pathways.^[37] Longleaf pine ecosystems deliver critical services, including substantial carbon sequestration, with fire-maintained stands storing more carbon per hectare than many other southern pine systems due to long tree lifespans exceeding 200 years.^[38] Mature stands contribute to soil stabilization through deep root systems and dense understory grasses that prevent erosion on sandy slopes, while the savanna structure filters water by reducing runoff and improving infiltration in coastal plain watersheds.^[33]

Conservation

Historical Decline and Current Status

Prior to European colonization, longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystems spanned approximately 92 million acres across the southeastern United States, from eastern Virginia to northern Florida and westward to eastern Texas.^[22] This vast range represented one of the most extensive forest types in North America, characterized by open-canopy savannas maintained by frequent lightning-ignited fires.^[22] Since the 1700s, intensive logging, conversion to agriculture, and suppression of natural fires have driven a profound decline, resulting in a loss of about 97% of the original extent by the late 20th century.^[39] By the 1930s, widespread harvesting for timber and naval stores had already reduced the remaining acreage to around 20 million, with further losses accelerating due to land-use changes; by the 1950s, fewer than 12 million acres persisted.^[40] These factors fragmented the once-contiguous forests, leaving isolated remnants that struggled to regenerate without fire.^[41] As of 2024, longleaf pine covers approximately 5.2 million acres, an increase from about 3.4 million acres around 2000, attributed to targeted restoration initiatives that have added over 1.8 million acres in recent decades.^[23] Despite this partial recovery, the species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List (assessed 2013) due to ongoing habitat pressures, though it is designated as a sensitive species by the U.S. Forest Service in certain regions to address local declines.^[42]^[22] The surviving populations are highly fragmented, with as of the 1990s, 25-35% of remaining stands in key states like Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina consisting of fewer than 20 acres, and many others under 100 acres, which limits gene flow and erodes genetic diversity essential for resilience.^[43]^[44] This small-scale fragmentation heightens vulnerability to environmental stressors, underscoring the need for landscape-scale conservation to reconnect habitats.^[22]

Threats Including Climate Change

The longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) faces multiple anthropogenic and environmental threats that jeopardize its persistence across its native range in the southeastern United States. Primary among these are habitat conversions driven by urban development, agricultural expansion, and silvicultural practices that replace longleaf stands with faster-growing species such as slash pine (Pinus elliottii) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations.^[45]^[33] These conversions fragment ecosystems and reduce suitable habitat, with historical longleaf coverage declining from approximately 92 million acres to less than 3% of its original extent due to such pressures.^[37] Additionally, fire suppression policies have led to hardwood encroachment, altering the open, savanna-like structure essential for longleaf regeneration and promoting dense understories that outcompete pine seedlings.^[46]^[47] Pests and diseases further compound these risks, with outbreaks of the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) posing significant threats during periods of drought or stand stress, as the insect infests weakened trees and can cause widespread mortality in susceptible pine species, including longleaf.^[48]^[49] Fusiform rust, caused by the fungus Cronartium quercuum f. sp. fusiforme, infects young longleaf pines, forming galls that weaken stems and increase breakage risk, though longleaf exhibits moderate resistance compared to other southern pines.^[49]^[50] Annosus root rot, induced by the fungus Heterobasidion annosum, targets roots at sites of injury or thinning, leading to reduced vigor and tree death in mature stands.^[48]^[51] Climate change exacerbates these vulnerabilities through shifts in precipitation and temperature patterns. Increased drought frequency, correlated with declining precipitation in the Southeast, reduces longleaf growth rates and height increments, with studies showing up to 20-30% declines in productivity during prolonged dry spells.^[52]^[53] Higher temperatures may initially enhance photosynthetic rates and short-term growth in longleaf, but they intensify water stress by increasing evapotranspiration, particularly in sandy soils where longleaf thrives.^[54]^[33] Altered fire regimes, driven by warmer conditions and extended fire seasons, result in more intense wildfires that can overwhelm even fire-adapted longleaf stands, deviating from the historical low-severity, frequent burns.^[55]^[56] Projections indicate a potential northward range shift for longleaf pine by 2100 under moderate emissions scenarios, as southern habitats become unsuitable due to compounded heat and drought.^[52] Invasive species also threaten longleaf ecosystems by altering competitive dynamics and fire behavior. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), a highly flammable non-native grass, invades disturbed longleaf sites, outcompeting native groundcover and increasing wildfire intensity through dense fuel loads.^[57]^[58] Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) encroaches on pine savannas, particularly in wetter margins, forming monotypic stands that suppress pine regeneration and reduce habitat quality.^[57]^[59] Genetic concerns arise from the fragmentation of remnant populations, which exhibit reduced diversity and increased inbreeding, heightening vulnerability to environmental stressors like pests and climate extremes.^[33] Limited seed sources from isolated stands further constrain natural recovery, amplifying risks from stochastic events.^[33]

Restoration and Protection Efforts

Restoration efforts for longleaf pine ecosystems have been driven by collaborative programs emphasizing large-scale planting, fire management, and habitat enhancement across the southeastern United States. The America's Longleaf Restoration Initiative, launched in 2009, set an ambitious goal of restoring, improving, or maintaining eight million acres of longleaf pine forests by 2025 through partnerships among federal agencies, nonprofits, and private landowners.^[60]^[61] By 2024, progress reached approximately five million acres, reflecting steady gains in restoration and management activities. The 2024 Accomplishment Report noted that partners burned over 2 million acres with prescribed fire for the first time since annual reporting began, a half million acre increase that enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.^[62] Complementing this, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Longleaf Pine Initiative provides financial and technical assistance to private landowners for practices such as prescribed burning, site preparation, and tree planting, prioritizing ecosystem health and biodiversity.^[63]^[64] The Range-wide Conservation Plan for Longleaf Pine (2025–2040), released by America's Longleaf partners, builds on prior strategies by integrating climate adaptation measures, site-based conservation planning, and genetic research to enhance ecosystem resilience against environmental stressors.^[4]^[33] This plan emphasizes localized assessments of ecological conditions and incorporates ongoing studies to inform adaptive management, aiming to establish three million additional acres while maintaining existing stands.^[33] Prominent projects exemplify these efforts at scale. The Nokuse Plantation in Florida has restored over 53,000 acres of former timberland to longleaf pine habitat, including the planting of eight million seedlings to recreate native forest communities.^[65] Similarly, The Conservation Fund has developed detailed mapping tools to identify priority areas for investment, enabling targeted preservation and sustainable management of high-value longleaf stands.^[66] Recent scientific advances support these initiatives. In 2025, North Carolina State University researchers initiated collaborative studies to boost genetic diversity in longleaf pine populations, improving adaptability to changing climates through selective breeding and seed sourcing strategies.^[67] The 2024 America's Longleaf Accomplishment Report documented notable gains in biodiversity and forest resilience, attributing improvements to widespread prescribed fire application and habitat restoration that enhanced species richness and ecosystem stability.^[62] Policy frameworks bolster these activities. Longleaf pine restoration qualifies for cost-share funding under the U.S. Farm Bill through programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which reimburses landowners for conservation practices.^[63]^[68] In southeastern states, additional incentives encourage private landowners to implement longleaf management, including rebates for firebreaks and understory restoration.^[69]^[70] These combined efforts have yielded measurable success, with longleaf pine acreage expanding from about three million acres in 2000 to over five million acres by 2024, alongside enhanced habitat quality supporting more than 900 plant and animal species endemic to these ecosystems.^[63]^[66]

Uses

Commercial Uses

The longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) is highly valued in the timber industry for its dense, strong wood, which exhibits superior stiffness, hardness, and resistance to rot and shock compared to many other softwoods. This makes it particularly suitable for construction lumber, flooring, heavy framing, and structural applications such as poles and pilings.^[71]^[72]^[73] Historically, longleaf pine was a primary source for naval stores, including tar and pitch derived from its abundant resin, which were essential for waterproofing ships and other maritime uses. These products were produced by processing resin-rich stumps and wood in tar kilns, supporting a major export industry in the southeastern United States by the 18th century.^[74]^[75]^[76] Longleaf pine wood has been used in kraft pulping for paper production due to its fiber quality, though its slower growth rate has made it less common compared to faster-maturing alternatives like loblolly pine in modern operations.^[77]^[78] The needles of longleaf pine are harvested as "pine straw" for use as mulch in landscaping, where their length and slow decomposition provide effective weed suppression and soil moisture retention. This market represents a significant economic sector, generating an estimated $200 million in annual sales across the Southeast as of 2021.^[79]^[80]^[81] Fatwood, the resin-saturated heartwood from old longleaf pine stumps, is commercially harvested and processed into fire starters and kindling products, leveraging its high flammability for both domestic and global markets.^[74]^[82] Overall, longleaf pine supports a substantial portion of the Southeast's forestry sector, with historical economic impacts estimated at $33 billion (in 1990 dollars) largely through timber and related products; ongoing restoration efforts further enhance long-term yields by promoting healthier, more productive stands.^[83]^[71] Harvesting practices for longleaf pine emphasize selective logging to preserve the species' fire-adapted nature, involving the removal of individual mature trees while maintaining canopy cover and understory vegetation to facilitate prescribed burns and regeneration.^[84]^[85]

Non-Commercial Uses

Historically, longleaf pine has been used in folk remedies for medicinal purposes, particularly its resin derived as turpentine, which served as a rubefacient for treating wounds by promoting blood flow and aiding healing. The buds and inner bark were steeped to make teas or decoctions for respiratory issues, such as colds and coughs, acting as expectorants to relieve congestion, while Cherokee communities prepared infusions from the tree tops to alleviate body pain. These applications, rooted in traditional knowledge, highlight the tree's role in pre-modern healthcare, though they lack modern clinical validation and should not replace professional medical advice.^[29]^[86]^[87] Longleaf pine ecosystems support diverse wildlife, creating ideal habitats for recreational activities like hunting deer and wild turkey, which thrive in the open savannas with their grassy understories providing cover and forage. Restored longleaf pine areas, such as those in wildlife management areas and national forests, facilitate ecotourism through hiking trails and nature observation, allowing visitors to experience the biodiversity of species like bobwhite quail, fox squirrels, and gopher tortoises while promoting conservation awareness. These non-commercial pursuits enhance community engagement with natural landscapes without large-scale exploitation.^[88]^[89]^[90] The long needles of longleaf pine are prized for traditional crafts, particularly basket weaving among Native American tribes like the Coushatta and Creek, who coil them into durable, waterproof containers using natural fibers for storage and gathering. Branches serve as an effective source of firewood, burning hot and steadily when seasoned, suitable for small-scale home heating or campfires in rural settings. Sustainable harvesting practices, such as selective collection of fallen needles and pruned limbs, support these uses while preserving ecosystem health; additionally, small-scale production of biochar from pine residues improves soil fertility in home gardens or restoration projects by enhancing carbon sequestration and nutrient retention.^[29]^[91]^[92] In ornamental planting, longleaf pine is valued for its striking aesthetic form, with long, tufted needles and a straight trunk providing texture, shade, and visual interest in home landscapes and urban settings across the Southeast. Its grass-stage seedlings add unique grassy accents before maturing into tall, sculptural trees that enhance naturalistic gardens, while the reddish-brown, scaly bark offers year-round appeal; this use aligns with restoration efforts but extends to private properties for low-maintenance beauty on well-drained, acidic soils.^[93]^[20]^[94]

Cultural Significance

Historical and Symbolic Importance

The longleaf pine played a pivotal role in the 19th-century naval industry, providing durable, resin-rich timber for ship masts and spars used by the U.S. Navy and merchant fleets.^[75] Its straight trunks and resistance to rot made it ideal for these applications, fueling extensive logging across the Southeast that began in colonial times and intensified after European settlement.^[95] Post-Civil War, the "Yellow Pine Belt"—a vast region stretching from Virginia to Texas—emerged as an economic powerhouse, where longleaf harvesting supported lumber mills, railroads, and reconstruction efforts, transforming the Southern economy from agriculture to industrial timber production.^[96] Southeastern Indigenous tribes, including the Coushatta and other groups in Louisiana and surrounding areas, utilized longleaf pine extensively for practical and cultural purposes. They employed its resin as a natural adhesive and sealant for tools and watercraft, while needles were woven into roofing thatch, baskets, and bedding, and bark served medicinal roles.^[91] Designated as Alabama's official state tree in 1997—refining a 1949 law specifying "southern pine"—the longleaf pine embodies regional identity and natural heritage.^[97] In North Carolina, it is immortalized in the state toast, adopted in 1957, which opens with "Here's to the land of the long leaf pine," evoking Southern pride tied to the state's history of innovation, including its "First in Flight" legacy.^[98] Symbolizing resilience amid adversity and the biodiversity of fire-adapted ecosystems, the tree represents the South's environmental and cultural fortitude.^[99] Early 20th-century ecologists recognized the longleaf pine as a keystone species essential for maintaining Southeastern biodiversity, with its open-canopied forests supporting diverse understories and wildlife dependent on frequent fires.^[100] This awareness spurred initial conservation advocacy amid widespread logging declines. In North Carolina, the tree's emblematic status is further honored through the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, established in 1963 as the state's highest civilian award for exemplary service to the community.^[101]

Modern Cultural References

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, established in 1963 by North Carolina Governor Terry Sanford, is the state's highest civilian honor, awarded by the governor to individuals for exemplary service and contributions to the state, with recipients including notable figures in public service, education, and conservation.^[102] By 2025, the award had been presented to thousands of recipients, including recent honorees such as NC State baseball coach Elliott Avent for his community impact and Western Piedmont Community College trustee Bruce Hawkins for educational leadership.^[103]^[101] In literature, the longleaf pine features prominently in Janisse Ray's 1999 memoir Ecology of a Cracker Childhood, which intertwines personal stories of growing up in rural Georgia with advocacy for preserving the endangered longleaf pine ecosystems that once dominated the Southeast.^[104] The book, a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, highlights the cultural and ecological loss of these forests through Ray's junkyard childhood amid vanishing pine savannas.^[105] Contemporary media has spotlighted longleaf pine conservation, such as NPR's 2015 feature on philanthropist M.C. Davis, who devoted his fortune to restoring thousands of acres of longleaf pine forests in Florida, planting over 8 million seedlings to revive the ecosystem.^[106] Additionally, the 2015 PBS documentary Secrets of the Longleaf Pine, produced by Georgia Public Broadcasting, explores the biodiversity of Southeastern longleaf ecosystems and efforts to restore them through prescribed fire and habitat management.^[107] Public awareness campaigns, led by organizations like America's Longleaf Alliance, promote longleaf pine restoration through educational programs such as "Learning with Longleaf" lesson plans and hands-on activities for schools, fostering appreciation for the ecosystem's role in biodiversity and wildfire resilience.^[108] The Alliance's 2024 Accomplishment Report emphasizes longleaf's contributions to climate resilience, documenting over 2 million acres restored or managed that year, including partnerships for habitat enhancement amid increasing wildfire threats.^[62] These efforts include community events and outreach to private landowners, building public support for longleaf as a symbol of Southeastern environmental stewardship.^[109] In art, the longleaf pine inspires contemporary Southern works, such as the 2025 Arts Council of Moore County exhibition In the Shade of the Longleaf Pines, featuring paintings and mixed media by artists Jonathan Douglas and Will DeFee that capture the tree's majestic form and ecological significance.^[110] Similarly, artist Kristin Leachman's Longleaf Lines series, exhibited at the Georgia Museum of Art, draws from old-growth longleaf forests to explore themes of biodiversity and human connection to the landscape.^[111] Music traditions in the South reference longleaf pine savannas, notably in bluegrass and gospel genres; Charlie Daniels' 2005 album Songs from the Longleaf Pines is a collection of bluegrass-infused hymns evoking the spiritual and cultural resonance of Southern pine landscapes.^[112] Tracks like "Longleaf Pine" by The Old North State further celebrate the tree's enduring presence in regional folklore through acoustic storytelling.^[113] Recent media coverage in 2025 has highlighted genetic research advancing longleaf pine conservation, such as North Carolina State University's collaborative project with The Longleaf Alliance to enhance seed genetic diversity and adaptability to climate stressors, described as a key step in "securing the future" of this iconic Southern species.^[67] This effort, detailed in the Summer 2025 issue of Longleaf Leader, focuses on improving seedling quality for widespread restoration amid environmental challenges.^[114]

References

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[PDF] LONGLEAF PINE - USDA Plants Database
Pinus palustris P. Mill., longleaf pine, is found in the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains from southeastern Virginia to central Florida and west to eastern ...
[2]
Pinus palustris Mill - Southern Research Station - USDA
Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), whose species name means "of the marsh," has been locally referred to as longstraw, yellow, southern yellow, swamp, hard or ...
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Longleaf Pine - Big Thicket National Preserve (U.S. National Park ...
Apr 28, 2025 · Longleaf pine are very dependent on fire in the ecosystem and are highly resistant to wildfire (pyrophytic). Historically they grew in large ...
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Pinus palustris Mill. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science
The native range of this species is SE. U.S.A. to E. Texas. It is a tree and grows primarily in the temperate biome. Taxonomy · Images · General ...
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Pinus palustris - Conifer Trees Database
Pinus palustris, as described in 1768 by Philip Miller (1691-1771), is commonly known as longleaf pine, longleaf yellow pine, or southern yellow pine. The ...Missing: synonyms date
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Pinus palustris | NatureServe Explorer
Kingdom: Plantae ; Phylum: Coniferophyta ; Class: Pinopsida ; Order: Pinales ; Family: Pinaceae.
[7]
Pinus palustris (longleaf pine) description
Miller (1768) doesn't say much about this species except that it "grows naturally on fwamps in many parts of North America," so he evidently had little ...Missing: Philip | Show results with:Philip
[8]
[PDF] Losing longleaf: Forestry and conservation in the Southern Coastal ...
Dec 9, 2022 · name, Pinus palustris, derives from “palus,” which translates to swamp or marsh. Longleaf, unlike the loblolly, prefers dry soils and does ...
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Pinus L. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science
This genus is accepted. The native range of this genus is Temp. & Subtropical Northern Hemisphere to Malesia, Caribbean.
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Pinus australis F.Michx. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science
Pinus australis F.Michx. First published in Hist. Arbr. Forest. 1: 64 (1810). This name is a synonym of Pinus palustris · Taxonomy. Publications; Other data ...
[11]
[PDF] Genetic diversity in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris)
For the entire population, 92% of the loci were polymor- phic, and the 24 loci averaged 2.92 alleles per locus. Two of the 24 loci examined, AK-1 and AK-2, were ...Missing: subspecies | Show results with:subspecies
[12]
ENH-628/ST469: Pinus palustris: Longleaf Pine - UF/IFAS EDIS
Current year twig thickness: very thick. Wood specific gravity: 0.59. Figure 6. Bark - Pinus palustris: longleaf pine Figure 6. Bark - Pinus palustris: longleaf ...
[13]
[PDF] Pinus palustris longleaf
Other common names for longleaf pine include long-leaf pine, long-leaved pine, longleaf yellow pine, Southern yellow pine, swamp pine, Georgia pine, marsh pine, ...Missing: date Philip
[14]
Pinus palustris (Long-leaf Pine, Longleaf Pine, Southern Pine)
The longleaf pine is an evergreen, gymnosperm tree in the Pinaceae (pine) family that may grow 60 to 120 feet tall with short, stout, spare branches.Missing: taxonomy | Show results with:taxonomy
[15]
Longleaf pine inner bark and outer bark thicknesses: Measurement ...
The proportion of inner bark, therefore, increased up the bole, from an average of 15% at stump height to above 40% toward the top of the tree.
[16]
[PDF] Pinus palustris Longleaf Pine - Environmental Horticulture
The Longleaf Pine can reach 80-125 feet tall, has long, flexible needles, and is native to North America. It is used for shade and as a specimen.
[17]
[PDF] Longleaf Pine Cone Maturity - USDA Forest Service
– Fertilization occurs and cone grows to full size. – Embryo and seed grow to full size. – Cones gradually dry in preparation for seed shedding. Page 5. Cones ...
[18]
Life Stages - The Longleaf Alliance
As the tree grows taller and the bark becomes thicker, the longleaf becomes less susceptible to fire. After the tree reaches 8 feet in height and about 2 ...
[19]
Longleaf Pine - UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
Longleaf pines are very tall, with long needles, reaching 125 feet, and have large cones. They take 100-150 years to mature and are disease/pest resistant.
[20]
Weight of Longleaf Pine Boards - vCalc
Jun 14, 2021 · Longleaf pine lumber has an approximate density of 638.00 kilograms per cubic meter (39.83 pounds per cubic foot). It is commonly used for poles, wood pulp, ...
[21]
[PDF] History and Current Condition of Longleaf Pine in the Southern ...
The native range of longleaf pine extended along the Gulf and Atlantic Coastal Plains from Texas to Virginia, and well into central Florida and the piedmont ...
[22]
Soil pH and Tree Species Suitability in Mississippi
How Is Soil pH Determined? ; Pine, Longleaf, P. palustris, 4.5–7.0 ; Pine, Shortleaf, P. echinata, 4.5–7.0 ; Pine, Slash, P. elliottii, 4.5–7.0 ; Redcedar, Eastern ...
[23]
Habitats - The Longleaf Alliance
Habitats · Soils. The soils in which montane longleaf grow are well drained with beds of flinty pebbles, sandstone ridges and even rock outcrops. · Common Plants.Missing: preferences climate
[24]
[PDF] Longleaf Pine
Seed- lings in early height growth, up to a height of about. 0.6 to 0.9 m (2 to 3 ft), become susceptible to damage by fire. Once beyond this stage, longleaf ...
[25]
[PDF] Regenerating Longleaf Pine Naturally - Southern Research Station
Tree percents (number of established seed- lings per 100 seeds) are generally highest in good to excellent seed years (Gemmer, Maki, and. Chapman 1940).Missing: settings | Show results with:settings
[26]
[PDF] Plant Guide for Longleaf Pine
Jun 7, 2013 · The long pine needles are coiled, and sewn in place with the inner bark of dogwood or slippery elm. (Kniffen et al. 1987). The Louisiana ...Missing: length | Show results with:length
[27]
[PDF] Natural Regeneration of Longleaf Pine
Up to 90 percent of longleaf pine seed is lost due wildlife or birds. Longleaf pine seeds germinate soon after release from the cone in the fall. Fall ...Missing: rate | Show results with:rate
[28]
[PDF] Longleaf Pine Ecosystem Restoration: The Role of Fire
This once extensive ecosystem has nearly vanished. The objectives of this paper are to describe the longleaf pine ecosystem and its ecological and economic.
[29]
https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/cs_pipa2.pdf
[30]
[PDF] Range-wide Conservation Plan for Longleaf Pine 2025-2040
Coupled with the precipitous decline of these forests, over 40 species associated with longleaf pine ecosystems are now federally listed as threatened or ...
[31]
Ectomycorrhizal fungal mycelia turnover in a longleaf pine forest
Elucidation of the patterns and controls of carbon (C) flow and nitrogen (N) cycling in forests has been hindered by a poor understanding of ectomycorrhizal ...
[32]
[PDF] Restoring a Disappearing Ecosystem: the Longleaf Pine Savanna
May 30, 2013 · “Grasses and nitrogen-fixing legumes kept the system in a relatively fertile state; without them longleaf pine growth can be stunted,” he ...
[33]
[PDF] Secondary seed dispersal of longleaf pine, Pinus palustris, and ...
Apr 6, 2006 · The Eco Area is home to a number of seed predators and potential seed dispersers, including grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), cotton mice ( ...
[34]
Arthropods and Fire Within the Biologically Diverse Longleaf Pine ...
We explored the complex role frequent fire (critical in longleaf pine management) plays in determining the arthropod community in longleaf pine.
[35]
[PDF] CARBON SEQUESTRATION AND NATURAL LONGLEAF PINE ...
A fire-maintained longleaf pine-dominated (Pinus palustris Mill.) ecosystem may offer one of the best options for C sequestration among the forested ecosystems ...
[36]
Redemption for Longleaf Pine - The Nature Conservancy
Jan 20, 2022 · Through extensive collaborative restoration efforts, longleaf pine acreage has risen to 4.7 million fragmented acres, approximately 5% of its original range.Missing: timeline 1700s 1930s<|control11|><|separator|>
[37]
Finding Longleaf Pine in American History - Edge Effects
Sep 6, 2016 · By 1935 only 20 million longleaf acres remained, and of that amount roughly three-fifths was second growth. By 1955 only 12 million acres were ...Missing: 1700s 1930s
[38]
[PDF] Four Centuries of Changing Landscape Patterns in the Longleaf ...
The earliest estimate of the entire range of longleaf pine was made by Mohr (1896) who sug- gested that the original acreage of "southern pines" was 100 million ...
[39]
[PDF] Longleaf Pine Initiative - 2024 Progress Report
Together with other conservation efforts, the amount of longleaf pine forests has grown from approximately 3.4 million acres to nearly 5.2 million acres during ...
[40]
[PDF] The Longleaf Pine Forest: Trends and Current Conditions
All States except Mississippi show a decline in the amount of longleaf pine on private lands. Georgia, Florida, and. Alabama lost over 100,000 acres of longleaf ...
[41]
(PDF) Genetic diversity in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris)
Aug 6, 2025 · Overall, the mean number of alleles per polymorphic locus was 2.9, the percentage of polymorphic loci was 92%, and the mean expected ...Missing: subspecies | Show results with:subspecies
[42]
[PDF] Potential for Augmenting Water Yield by Restoring Longleaf Pine ...
Feb 4, 2025 · This study is designed to conduct a regional, comprehensive, and quantitative assessment to illustrate the benefits of longleaf pine restoration ...
[43]
[PDF] Dry longleaf pine - NC Wildlife
With long-term fire suppression the litter buildup and changes in the microenvironment can allow invasion by more mesic species. (Schafale and Weakley 1990).
[44]
[PDF] The Historic Fire Return Interval and the Ecological Effects of Fire ...
Jul 9, 2020 · Fire suppression in the 1920s caused longleaf pine declines. In absence of fire, ecosystems become more mesic and fire-intolerant.<|separator|>
[45]
[PDF] Longleaf Resiliency: Insects and Diseases
Southern pines face threats from insect pests such as the Nantucket pine tip moth, regeneration weevils, and bark beetles, and diseases such as pitch canker, ...
[46]
[PDF] Insects and Diseases of Longleaf Pine in the Context of Longleaf ...
Focus will be given to pests of longleaf pine, especially fusiform rust, in an ecosystem considerably different from that of the species' past and opportunities ...
[47]
Planting Southern Pines: A Guide to Species Selection and Planting ...
Longleaf pine is less susceptible to bark beetles and other insect pests compared to other southern pines. Fusiform rust is not a serious problem in longleaf ...
[48]
[PDF] FOREST HEALTH - South Carolina Forestry Commission
The fungus Heterobasidion annosum is the causal agent. This root-rot is the most prevalent fungal disease of pines in the southeastern U.S. after fusiform rust.
[49]
[PDF] Projecting the Effects of Climate Change and Urbanization on ...
Of particular interest are the many endemic species of conservation concern that inhabit longleaf pine ecosystems, including 29 federally endangered or ...
[50]
[PDF] Quantifying the Morphological and Physiological Effects of Drought ...
The rate at which drought, grass invasion, and fire regime changes associated with global climate change are occurring pose the largest hurdle for plants as ...
[51]
[PDF] predicting global climate change impacts on - UGA Open Scholar
Also, they argue that longleaf pine will play an important role in climate change mitigation because of its longevity, fire and disease tolerance, and ...
[52]
[PDF] PRIORITIZING CONSERVATION AREAS FOR LONGLEAF PINE ...
Recently developed models predict the overall impact of climate change on fire potential in the South is a gradual shift toward more severe fire conditions ...<|separator|>
[53]
[PDF] Final Report: Understanding Prescribed Fire Management in the ...
These changes will occur at a time when the region is expected to experience significant shifts in climate that will impact fire weather, alter wildfire ...
[54]
FOR386/FR457: Fire and Invasive Plant Interactions
Sep 19, 2022 · Chinese tallow has been shown to grow in many different habitats, such as bottomland forest, maritime forest, coastal prairie, or slash pine ...
[55]
[PDF] Invasive plant management in eastern North American Forests
Impacts of prescribed fire, glyphosate, and seeding on cogongrass, species richness, and species diversity in longleaf pine. Invasive Plant Science and ...
[56]
Post-fire invasion risk of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) in a slash ...
The invasion of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera (L.) Small) is a serious threat to the endangered slash pine (Pinus elliottii) flatwood ecosystem in the Gulf ...
[57]
Burning the Forest for the Trees — THE BITTER SOUTHERNER
Jun 27, 2024 · It announced America's Longleaf Restoration Initiative, with a goal of 8 million acres restored by 2025. Eight million is a far cry from the 92 ...
[58]
Longing for Longleaf: A Story of Landscape-Scale Restoration
Back then, longleaf pine-dominated forests stretched from eastern Texas to southern Virginia and south into central Florida. Overall, these forests covered ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[59]
Longleaf Pine Initiative - Natural Resources Conservation Service
Together with other conservation efforts, the amount of longleaf pine forests has grown from approximately 3 million acres to nearly 5 million acres during this ...
[60]
[PDF] Longleaf Pine Incentive Program (LLPI)
The conservation systems used include forest stand improvement, prescribed burning, restoration and management of rare or declining habitats, and tree/shrub ...
[61]
[PDF] Range-wide Conservation Plan for Longleaf Pine 2025-2040
The plan aims for 8 million acres of longleaf pine, with 3 million in good condition, and 3 million new acres to be established. It serves as a framework for ...
[62]
Nokuse Plantation - Wikipedia
The majority of property was purchased for $90 million from timber companies and was planted with eight million seedlings to restore it to the kind of pine ...Missing: 8 | Show results with:8
[63]
Nokuse Plantation - private land stewardship at its best
Dec 8, 2015 · Nokuse Plantation, along Black Creek, is a 53,000-acre area with wild-land experience, created by M.C. Davis, and has active trail development.Missing: seedlings | Show results with:seedlings
[64]
Mapping the Future of Longleaf Pine - The Conservation Fund
At the start of a 15-year plan to nearly triple the longleaf pine's reach, from 3.4 million acres to 8 million acres, TFC is providing answers to one critical ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[65]
How Science is Securing the Future of Longleaf Pine
Oct 14, 2025 · These grafted seed orchards are especially valuable because they offer more reliable cone production, higher seed germination rates, and, ...
[66]
[PDF] 2024 Accomplishment Report
Jun 9, 2025 · In 2024 alone, DoD burned over 400,000 acres of existing longleaf forest and established 11,000 acres of new longleaf while also facilitating ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[67]
Restoring the Longleaf Pine | How the Farm Bill Helps Foresters
Mar 12, 2024 · The agency runs the Farm Bill-funded Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). A popular Farm Bill program and NRCS' flagship cost-share ...
[68]
Cost Share Assistance Programs - Alabama Forestry Commission
The Alabama Forestry Commission administers programs that offer financial assistance to forest landowners in Alabama to implement on the ground practices ...
[69]
Longleaf Program - Forest Landowners Association
FLA will provide $50 per acre in cost-share assistance for establishing new longleaf pine stands, including site preparation and planting. Managing Longleaf.
[70]
[PDF] Longleaf Pine: A Sustainable Approach for - Increasing Terrestrial ...
Dec 4, 2003 · Longleaf pine is heavier, stronger, suffer, harder, and moderately high in shock resistance. Industry will single out longleaf pine for its ...
[71]
New York City's Hidden Old-Growth Forests - State of the Planet
Aug 2, 2021 · ... longleaf pine, prized by 19th-century builders for their density, strength and resistance to rot. Top, part of a newly sawn-out joist ...
[72]
Forest products & wood and cork
Also called compression strength this is the resistance offered to forces that tend to crush wood. ... Longleaf pine in the southern United States is mainly used ...
[73]
[PDF] NAVAL STORES - Southern Research Station
Of the southern pines, longleaf and slash. (Pinus elliottii) pines are the most prolific producers of resin and have become the pines most frequently tapped for.
[74]
Naval Stores in North Carolina - National Park Service
Tapped for resin and pungent with tar rendering, longleaf forests supported the Carolina's shipbuilding economy, which was vital to British naval interests.
[75]
N.C. Forest Service - Longleaf Pine - NC Department of Agriculture
Jan 9, 2025 · In the eighteenth century, naval stores (tar, pitch, and turpentine used in shipbuilding) made from the abundant pine resin of longleaf trees ...
[76]
[PDF] Kraft pulping of West Florida sand pine and longleaf pine - GovInfo
sack paper (table 5); the bag paper made from longleaf pine pulp, however, was much higher in tear, better in porosity, and a little lower in tensile ...
[77]
[PDF] How Restoring Longleaf Pine Can Help Prepare the Southeast for ...
These species grow faster than longleaf pine, making them attractive to industry. ... Narrow tree rings are typical for slow-growing, high density longleaf pine.
[78]
Pine Straw: Considerations for Production on Your Land
Aug 27, 2021 · Longleaf pine is the preferred species for pine straw production due to its needle length and slower needle decay rate. The longleaf needles are ...Missing: industry | Show results with:industry
[79]
The 'brown gold' that falls from pine trees in North Carolina
and, in this case, generating an estimated $200 million in annual sales ...
[80]
'In great demand:' Pine straw helps boom Southeast economy
Apr 20, 2021 · Pine straw is big business across the Southeast and rakes in about $200 million every year. It's even a crime in North Carolina state to steal straw.
[81]
[PDF] Learning with Longleaf
Fatwood: The resin laden wood of longleaf pine. Known also as lightwood or lighterwood due to the ease it takes to catch on fire. It is used a lot as ...
[82]
[PDF] RESTORATION OF LONGLEAF PINE IN THE SOUTHERN UNITED ...
Sep 25, 2018 · $33 billion dollars (1990 dollars), with a majority of the impact related to the regional forest products industry. (Montgomery and others 1994) ...Missing: contribution | Show results with:contribution
[83]
[PDF] Longleaf Pine Restoration in Context - Southern Research Station
Dec 15, 2015 · They are found in North and Central America including the Caribbean basin and U.S. landscapes such as the upper Midwest, the central hardwoods ...Missing: preferences | Show results with:preferences
[84]
[PDF] Longleaf Pine Forest Restoration & Management - UF/IFAS
Jun 2, 2016 · Longleaf pine has many favorable characteristics for landowners with long- term, multiple-use land management objectives.Missing: filtration | Show results with:filtration
[85]
Pine Nuts Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits - Verywell Fit
Oct 18, 2022 · Pine nuts are high in magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E, and vitamin K. These micronutrients contribute to a balanced, nutritious diet.
[86]
[PDF] A guide to medicinal plants of Appalachia - USDA Forest Service
Pinus palustris (longleaf pine) is a source of turpentine, pine oil, tar ... USES: The root bark can be used to prepare a tea. Root material can be ...
[87]
19th Century Medicine Cabinet or Growing Your Own Drugs.
Mar 1, 2025 · Turpentine from Long Leaf Pines: Certainly not an herb but plant-derived, turpentine was considered to have medicinal qualities. Turpentine was ...
[88]
Species Diversity - The Longleaf Alliance
Well-managed longleaf pine forests provide quality habitat for a variety of desirable plant and animal species. For example, bobwhite quail populations ...Missing: turkey hunting
[89]
Longleaf Pine Forest Revival - National Wildlife Federation
Sep 19, 2012 · In the meantime, says Dowling, the developing ecosystem is wonderful habitat for a variety of wildlife, including quail, turkey, deer ...Missing: ecotourism | Show results with:ecotourism
[90]
[PDF] Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
removed a substantial part of the longleaf pine stems on the refuge. Most of the remaining old- growth longleaf pine trees have turpentine faces. Faced ...Missing: folk remedies
[91]
[PDF] Longleaf Pine Tree Usage by American Indian Tribes of Louisiana
Jun 25, 2012 · The tree was used as kindling to help start fires; bark and needles for medicinal purposes; needles for baskets; pine resins as a sealer; and ...
[92]
Basket Making - Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana
Longleaf pine needles are gathered, dried, and then coiled into baskets using raffia and sewing needles. Utilizing Louisiana native longleaf pine needles ...<|separator|>
[93]
Planting Longleaf Pine in the Southern Urban Landscape
Dec 12, 2018 · Grows wells on moist soils; however, does not thrive on alkaline (pH > 6.5) or very wet soils. Longleaf pine need full sunlight, so plant in a ...
[94]
Pine | Home & Garden Information Center - HGIC@clemson.edu
Jun 19, 2020 · Longleaf Pine. Mature Height: Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ... It prefers partial shade to full sun and moist soil with a pH of 4 to 6.
[95]
How Longleaf Pines Helped Build the US - JSTOR Daily
May 16, 2019 · Estimates of the total size of this pine savannah range from 60 to 147 million acres. ... An example: in 1607, there was an estimated one million ...
[96]
The Impact of the Timber Industry on the South - jstor
South. In the great yellow pine belt crescent, the tenor of the old ways of Southern life was broken by the rise of the big lumber ing industry. Negro and ...
[97]
The Story of the Longleaf Ecosystem - Clemson Blogs
Jan 8, 2024 · Longleaf can reach over 100 feet on good quality sites and live 300 years or longer. Its long needles, which can reach over 15 inches, are where ...Missing: lifespan | Show results with:lifespan
[98]
Alabama State Tree | Southern Longleaf Pine
Alabama first designated the state tree as "the southern pine tree" in 1949; in 1997 the southern longleaf pine was specified.
[99]
Here's to the Land of the Longleaf Pine - NC DNCR
May 21, 2016 · The toast was first read by the Rev. Walter W. Moore in May 1904 in Richmond at a banquet hosted by the North Carolina Society of Richmond.Missing: flight | Show results with:flight
[100]
For the Love of the Longleaf Pine | Arbor Day Foundation
More than 90 million acres of longleaf forest stretched from Virginia to Texas. And to this day, although the forest cover now hovers around only 5 million ...
[101]
The Brutal Legacy of the Longleaf Pine - Orion Magazine
Sep 20, 2022 · Longleaf not only has a long life span—capable of living five hundred years—but it is also fire-dependent, which means it needs to be tended ...
[102]
WPCC Trustee Receives The Order of the Long Leaf Pine
Western Piedmont Community College Trustee Bruce Hawkins was awarded with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine on Tuesday, June 4th. Since 1963, North Carolina's ...
[103]
Roster of Recipients - The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society
Among the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina is The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. It is awarded to persons for exemplary ...
[104]
Elliott Avent honored with Prestigious Long Leaf Pine Society Award
Oct 6, 2025 · RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State baseball coach Elliott Avent has been bestowed the State of North Carolina's highest award, as he was honored by ...
[105]
Ecology of a Cracker Childhood | Milkweed Editions
A contemporary classic, Ecology of a Cracker Childhood is a clarion call to protect the cultures and ecologies of every childhood.
[106]
Ecology of a Cracker Childhood by Janisse Ray | Goodreads
Rating 4.0 (3,599) The book interweaves family history and memoir with natural history writing—specifically, descriptions of the ecology of the vanishing longleaf pine forests ...
[107]
Gambler-Turned-Conservationist Devotes Fortune To Florida Nature ...
Jun 17, 2015 · Davis spent some $90 million snapping up land for conservation. To restore the forest to the way it was centuries ago, he had 8 million longleaf ...Missing: documentary | Show results with:documentary
[108]
Secrets of the Longleaf Pine - PBS
Oct 21, 2015 · Produced by Rhett Turner, this is a fascinating exploration of the Southeastern United States' Longleaf Pine ecosystem, its plants and animals.
[109]
Education & Outreach - The Longleaf Alliance
The Longleaf Alliance has used outreach, education, research, direct involvement and hands-on experience to develop and provide the best available information.Missing: festivals campaigns
[110]
Next Generation - The Longleaf Alliance
The Longleaf Alliance offers an educational series, "Learning with Longleaf," with 21 lessons, and resources like "Burner Bob" and a Jenga-like activity.Missing: festivals campaigns
[111]
New Exhibit Features Art Inspired by Longleaf Pines - The Pilot
Jan 10, 2025 · The Arts Council's art exhibition “In the Shade of the Longleaf Pines” features works by Jonathan Douglas and Will DeFee expressing this beauty ...Missing: folk | Show results with:folk
[112]
Kristin Leachman: Longleaf Lines - Georgia Museum of Art
In June 2020, artist Kristin Leachman traveled to an old-growth longleaf pine forest in southwest Georgia. Longleaf forests are one of the most biologically ...<|separator|>
[113]
Songs From The Longleaf Pines - Charlie Daniels - Amazon.com
Songs From The Longleaf Pines ; 1, Walking In Jerusalem (Just Like John) ; 2, Preachin', Prayin', Singin' ; 3, I've Found A Hiding Place ; 4, I'm Working On A ...
[114]
Longleaf Pine - song and lyrics by The Old North State - Spotify
Longleaf Pine6,804. Popular Releases by The Old North State. Live at Sioux Sioux Studio. Album • 2022 · E.P. Volume 1. EP • 2021 · Longleaf Pine.
[115]
[PDF] Longleaf Leader | Summer 2025
State University initiated a five-year project with The Longleaf. Alliance to improve the genetic resource for longleaf pine. The goal of the project is to ...