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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

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).
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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

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