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The Ecosystem

HomeWhat is Longleaf?The EcosystemSpecies Diversity

Species Diversity

Though typically thought of as a sandhill species, longleaf pine once covered about 2/3 of the Southeast. At a landscape level, longleaf pine forests cover a variety of different habitat types (mountains, rolling hills, sandhills, and flatwoods). A longleaf pine stand maintained by fire is among the most biologically diverse habitats in North America.

Well-managed longleaf pine forests provide quality habitat for a variety of desirable plant and animal species. For example, bobwhite quail populations thrive in frequently burned longleaf pine stands, which typically support high legume populations. Fox squirrels, wild turkeys, whitetail deer, countless varieties of songbirds, and many native butterflies flourish in longleaf pine forests as well. Reptiles and amphibians are frequent inhabitants of these forests, many found nowhere else.

Prescribed burning to maintain quail habitat benefits many habitats, including longleaf pine savannas. Photo by Brady Beck.
Prescribed burning to maintain quail habitat benefits many habitats, including longleaf pine savannas. Photo by Brady Beck.
The Eastern indigo snake uses both the uplands and the wetlands within the longleaf landscape. Photo by Ben Stengenga.
The Eastern indigo snake uses both the uplands and the wetlands within the longleaf landscape. Photo by Ben Stengenga.
An eastern bluebird feeds young in its charred stump nest cavity. Photo by Brady Beck.
An eastern bluebird feeds young in its charred stump nest cavity. Photo by Brady Beck.
The eastern fox squirrel's large size allows it to consume unopened longleaf cones. Photo by Brady Beck.
The eastern fox squirrel's large size allows it to consume unopened longleaf cones. Photo by Brady Beck.
Wild turkeys have been shown to prefer longleaf woods that are frequently burned. Photo by Brady Beck.
Wild turkeys have been shown to prefer longleaf woods that are frequently burned. Photo by Brady Beck.
Longleaf pine savannas provide ideal habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Photo by Brady Beck.
Longleaf pine savannas provide ideal habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Photo by Brady Beck.
The small pygmy rattlesnake is seldom seen but fairly common in longleaf woodlands. Photo by Kris Dwitter.
The small pygmy rattlesnake is seldom seen but fairly common in longleaf woodlands. Photo by Kris Dwitter.
A gopher tortoise on the apron of its burrow. Photo by Randy Tate.
A gopher tortoise on the apron of its burrow. Photo by Randy Tate.
Toothache grass gets its common name from the fact that it makes your mouth numb if chewed. Photo by Randy Tate.
Toothache grass gets its common name from the fact that it makes your mouth numb if chewed. Photo by Randy Tate.
The white-topped pitcher plant is endemic to the Southeast and found in wetlands embedded in longleaf forests. Behind it is Liatris spicata. Photo by JJ Bachant.
The white-topped pitcher plant is endemic to the Southeast and found in wetlands embedded in longleaf forests. Behind it is Liatris spicata. Photo by JJ Bachant.
Wiregrass is an essential component to the understory in much of the range of longleaf and provides fuel to help carry fire. Photo by Randy Tate.
Wiregrass is an essential component to the understory in much of the range of longleaf and provides fuel to help carry fire. Photo by Randy Tate.
The sensitive briar is named for the fact that its leaves fold up when touched. Photo by Carol Denhof.
The sensitive briar is named for the fact that its leaves fold up when touched. Photo by Carol Denhof.
A tiger swallowtail resting on a blazing star. Photo by Carol Denhof.
A tiger swallowtail resting on a blazing star. Photo by Carol Denhof.
Lopsided-indiangrass is one of several native bunchgrasses found in longleaf habitats. Photo by Carol Denhof.
Lopsided-indiangrass is one of several native bunchgrasses found in longleaf habitats. Photo by Carol Denhof.
The beautiful oranged-fringed orchid is often found in longleaf sandhills. Photo by Carol Denhof.
The beautiful oranged-fringed orchid is often found in longleaf sandhills. Photo by Carol Denhof.

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

Here's something to toast to 🍻 The Longleaf All Here's something to toast to 🍻 The Longleaf Alliance is Appalachian Mountain Brewery's Brewing Good partner for the month of April!Not only will our Pints for Pines partnership with AMB and their Long Leaf IPA mean longleaf pine trees in the ground, but a dollar for every pint sold on April 3rd's Pint Night will provide a direct contribution to TLA.P.S. Check out our recent collaboration with AMB and Three River Land Trust to plant 2,000 longleaf seedlings in North Carolina (link in bio).
Did you know that March 25th is National Peacock D Did you know that March 25th is National Peacock Day? No? Well now you do 😊📷 Karen Brown, Bladen County, North Carolina#longleaf #longleafpine #longleafpines #longleafpineecosystem #restorelongleaf
We loved celebrating with new and old friends at t We loved celebrating with new and old friends at the Pints for Pines Longleaf Planting day! Especially this father-son planting duo 😍The “Pints for Pines" program unites beer and nature enthusiasts to restore the longleaf pine ecosystem. Every case of @appalachianmountainbrewery Long Leaf IPA sold supports the planting of longleaf pine trees.Special thanks to @threeriverslandtrust for being gracious hosts at Cotton Creek Preserve in Mongtomery County, North Carolina. #restorelongleaf #fortheloveoflongleaf #pintsforpines
Learn & Burn workshop at Moody Forest in Georgia y Learn & Burn workshop at Moody Forest in Georgia yesterday 🔥
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