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The Ecosystem

HomeWhat is Longleaf?The EcosystemBuilt by Fire

Built by Fire

Frequent, low intensity, and often large scale, surface fires were the dominant factor in shaping the longleaf pine ecosystems across the historical range. This frequent fire regime, over generations, selected for longleaf pine’s fire-resistant attributes.

Fire prepares the seed bed for increased chance of survival for longleaf pine germinants. Photo by Sarah Crate.
Fire prepares the seed bed for increased chance of survival for longleaf pine germinants. Photo by Sarah Crate.
New needle growth on grass stage longleaf after being scorched in a fire. Photo by Randy Tate.
New needle growth on grass stage longleaf after being scorched in a fire. Photo by Randy Tate.
Thick plates of bark protect inner wood from surface fires. Charred bark is a sign  of a previous fire. Photo by Robert Abernethy.
Thick plates of bark protect inner wood from surface fires. Charred bark is a sign of a previous fire. Photo by Robert Abernethy.

Seeds & Seedlings

Fire consumes litter on the forest floor, creating optimal conditions for germination. While longleaf seeds can germinate almost anywhere (on rocks, logs, forest mulch), they survive best on mineral soil. New germinants are susceptible to fire, however, until reaching the grass stage.

Grass Stage

Grass stage longleaf focus their growth underground in their roots while their long, dense needles protect the growth bud above ground. When a fire occurs, any burned or scorched needles will be quickly replaced with new growth. During the grass stage, longleaf pine seedlings are very resistant to fire damage.

“Rocket” Stage

Once longleaf initiates height growth, it grows rapidly in a short period of time, securing an advantageous position to gather sunlight. As it grows, newly emerged ‘candles’ may be vulnerable to damage until new (and protective) needles develop or the growing tip moves above typical flame heights. During the rocket stage, longleaf pine trees are also slightly more vulnerable to fire until its bark thickens for sufficient insulation.

Fire Resistant, Not Fire-Proof

After longleaf reaches 8 feet in height and about 2 inches in diameter at ground level, it becomes very robust and resistant to fire damage. On mature trees, thick plates of bark protect the inner wood from surface fires. Lower pine limbs are thermally pruned, keeping the canopy above most flame heights. Once established, longleaf needle litter promotes subsequent fires by providing fine fuels to carry fire across the forest floor. Of course, no tree is fire-proof, and longleaf pines are susceptible to fire injury during certain life-stages and when stressed by other environmental conditions (like drought, pests, or disease).

A Fire Forest

Longleaf pines are just one species in southeastern ecosystems adapted to frequent, low-intensity fires. Plants and wildlife alike utilize different strategies to survive and thrive in regularly burned habitats. See this response in action in the Perennial Forest Story - a visual journey of one forest following a prescribed fire.

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

Today for National #WildlandFirefighterDay, we wan Today for National #WildlandFirefighterDay, we want to thank the thousands of local, state, federal, or contract workers who fulfill a role in wildland fire and their friends and families who make it possible for these folks to work long hours, far from home.Because of the job description “firefighter” one might assume these folks are dedicated to wildfire suppression only, but in fact, wildland fire encompasses both #PRESCRIBEDfire and wildfire. #WildlandFire is an overarching term for any non-structure fire that occurs in natural fuels so fire practitioners in the field have duties relating to prescribed burning, wildfire response, AND fire preparedness. The terminology, communication, and command structure is the same whether actively starting or suppressing fire in natural landscapes.In the Southeast, our fire practitioners are integral to keeping our forests and natural communities healthy.📷 TLA’s amazing staff in the Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership whose hard work supports implementation of prescribed fire and habitat restoration. In the last fiscal year (2020-21), the EST, WEST, and AMBBIS teams burned over 90,000 acres with #GCPEP partners. #ThankAFirefighter #longleaf #longleafpine #longleafpines #goodfire #rxfire #restorelongleaf
July 1st should be in your longleaf management cal July 1st should be in your longleaf management calendar. Why? Because TODAY is the day that several state-operated nurseries begin accepting seedling orders. Longleaf seedlings are in high-demand and many growers sell out quickly. Ordering early, even if you are waiting to hear back about a cost-share application, is your best chance to guarantee seedlings.Check out these state forestry nurseries which are accepting orders as of today:👉 Georgia Forestry Commission - Flint River Nursery - BAREROOT longleaf seedlings > https://gatrees.org/forest-management-conservation/tree-seedlings👉 North Carolina Forest Service - Claridge Nursery - CONTAINER longleaf seedlings > http://www.buynctrees.com/Find a list of our partnering nurseries at longleafalliance.org/what-we-do/restoration-through-partnerships/nurseries/📷 Longleaf pine germinants in container trays for nursery production. Photo courtesy of PRT in Atmore, Alabama. #longleaf  #longleafpine #longleafpines
You are invited to join representatives from The L You are invited to join representatives from The Longleaf Alliance, Clemson Extension, the SC Forestry Commission, and the USDA-NRCS to learn more about longleaf pine management practices for protecting water quality, improving wildlife habitat, and enhancing native plant communities. This series is designed for landowners to attend sessions #1 and #2 prior to participating in the field tour, but the field tour is optional.Details at longleafalliance.org > events.
Do you know an amazing person or team worthy of re Do you know an amazing person or team worthy of recognition for their contributions to longleaf conservation? If so, say "thank you" by submitting a nomination on their behalf for a 🏆 2022 Regional Longleaf Award 🏆 by FRIDAY, July 1st. Awardees will be recognized at the 14th Biennial Longleaf Conference in Wilmington, NC on October 26, 2022. Details at longleafconference.com > awards (link in bio)
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