Skip to content
logo
  • Contact
  • Events
  • Donate
search
newsearch
  • Close
  • Home
  • Events
  • News
  • Donate
  • Contact
  • Who We Are
    • About The Alliance
      • Staff
      • Board of Directors
  • What is Longleaf?
    • The Tree
      • Life Stages
      • The History
      • The Economics
      • The Misconceptions
    • The Ecosystem
      • Built by Fire
      • Habitats
      • Species Diversity
    • Restoration & Management
      • Groundcover Restoration
      • Herbicides
      • Longleaf Regeneration
      • Prescribed Fire
    • Photo Gallery
  • What We Do
    • Restoration Through Partnerships
      • America’s Longleaf
      • LEO
      • Corporate Sustainability Programs
      • Nurseries
    • Longleaf Assistance
    • Conserving Diverse Forests
      • Rare Species
      • Forests & Water
      • Georgia Sentinel Landscape Prescribed Fire
    • Education & Outreach
      • Longleaf Academy Program
      • Biennial Longleaf Conference
      • Burner Bob®
      • Next Generation
      • The Longleaf Leader
      • The Longleaf Library
      • The Owen Fellowship
  • What You Can Do
    • Support The Alliance
    • Conservation Partners
    • Get Involved
    • Merchandise
    • Subscribe

The Ecosystem

HomeWhat is Longleaf?The Ecosystem

The Longleaf Ecosystem

Mature, well-managed longleaf stands share several fundamental characteristics:

  • Stands dominated by a single species of tree - the longleaf pine
  • Conspicuous lack of midstory trees and shrubs, presenting a scenic vista through the forest
  • Well-developed, diverse ground layer, dominated by bunchgrasses and other flowering plants
  • Presence of numerous wildlife species that are dependent upon an open pine forest
  • Frequent fires for maintaining an open, park-like setting
  • Found across a variety of habitat types

Because longleaf pine is longer lived than other southern pines and can sustain growth at older ages (150 years or more), it has the ability to store carbon for long periods.

Explore to find out more about this fascinating ecosystem across the Southeast:

Built by Fire  |  Habitats  |  Species Diversity

BROWSE THIS SECTION

  • The Tree
    • Life Stages
    • The Economics
    • The History
    • The Misconceptions
  • The Ecosystem
    • Built by Fire
    • Habitats
    • Species Diversity
  • Restoration & Management
    • Groundcover Restoration
    • Herbicides
    • Longleaf Regeneration
    • Prescribed Fire
  • Photo Gallery

From our feed

Since its inception in 1995, The Longleaf Alliance Since its inception in 1995, The Longleaf Alliance has used science-based outreach, partnership engagement, and on-the-ground assistance to support longleaf restoration, stewardship, and conservation across the Southeast.For #NationalNonprofitDay, we want to say thank you to all our supporters and partners (many of which are also non-profits). Without you we could not do all that we do! Help us celebrate the day by sharing a non-profit that means something special to you. Tag us in the post so we can like/share/follow their work too 😊
Come visit The Longleaf Alliance's table at the Fo Come visit The Longleaf Alliance's table at the Forestry & Wildlife Expo in Buena Vista, Georgia this Saturday, August 12th.Admission is FREE!
Cogongrass is a BIG problem in the Southeast - inc Cogongrass is a BIG problem in the Southeast - including longleaf pine habitats. It is a tricky species to eradicate, but there are options. Some more effective than others.What doesn't work? Mowing, burning, and grazing. Here is why – 75% of cogongrass is underground in its rhizomes and roots. Removing only the top 25% of this species simply encourages it to regrow and spread. Its high silica content means it not only makes lousy forage, but it also increases its probability of igniting. Cogongrass fires are intense, with typical flame lengths doubling the height of the grass.So what does work?Effective chemical control of cogongrass can be achieved with glyphosate, a foliar active herbicide. Even though this is not a selective herbicide, applying glyphosate only to the cogongrass leaves will target this invasive without harming your mid to upper-story species. Other treatment options include imazapyr, tilling, and combining strategies like mowing and fire with herbicide treatments.Summertime (May to October depending by one’s location) is the best time to treat cogongrass. Be prepared to re-treat, as cogongrass does not give up easily and can take up to five re-treatments for confirmed eradication. For more information, check out our Longleaf Leader article (link in bio).
Georgia landowners - Please spread the word about Georgia landowners - Please spread the word about this free workshop (and meal) in Emanuel County on August 1st. RSVPs are needed by tomorrow - Friday, July 28th - so reserve your spot today! Details at longleafalliance.org > events (link in bio).
Load More

Conservation partners

PCA

PCA

RMS

RMS

Whitfield

Whitfield

Bartlett

Bartlett

Enviva

Enviva

Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern

advantage

advantage

Blanton

Blanton

Drax

Drax

Fram

Fram

IFCO

IFCO

Kronospan

Kronospan

Manulife

Manulife

McLeod Rhodes

McLeod Rhodes

  • Home
  • Who We Are
  • What is Longleaf?
  • What We Do
  • What You Can Do
  • The Longleaf Library
  • Photo Gallery
  • Merchandise
  • Events
  • News
  • Donate
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
footer-logo

12130 Dixon Center Road
Andalusia, Alabama 36420
Phone: 334.427.1029







©2021 The Longleaf Alliance
site by HLJ Creative