Home
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Longleaf Pine?

C. Martin
C. Martin

A longleaf pine is a species of pine tree that grows natively in the United States. Mature longleaf pine trees frequently exceed 100 feet (about 30 meters) in height. This tree gets its name from its long needles. These can grow to a length of 18 inches (about 45 centimeters), which is longer than the needles of any of the other species of American pine tree. These characteristic needles grow in clumps of three, are dark green in color, and often twist as they grow.

Prior to human habitation, much of the southern part of the United States was covered with a vast longleaf pine forest. These trees were exploited by early settlers for wood and later for shipbuilding. Years of land clearing and logging activities have meant that the modern day distribution of the long leaf pine is much more modest. The longleaf pine is still a common tree, however, in many of the southeastern states.

Longleaf pine forests recover relatively well from forest fires.
Longleaf pine forests recover relatively well from forest fires.

The bark of the mature longleaf pine tree is a red-brown color, and in texture, it is scaly and thick. This is believed to be an adaptation to protect the adult tree from fire. The young tree also has special adaptations to protect it from fire damage. In contrast to the growth patterns of most types of pine tree, the young longleaf pine does not rapidly elongate. Instead, it grows into a dense, bush-like cluster during the first three to seven years, which is called the ‘grass-stage’ of the longleaf pine.

Longleaf pine is commonly found in forests in the U.S.
Longleaf pine is commonly found in forests in the U.S.

The density of growth that is exhibited by young longleaf pines means that they can withstand a certain amount of the heat and damage from forest fires. In addition, the buds of the young tree are protected with long, thick, silver-colored hairs that reflect heat and guard the sensitive inner bud from heat damage. These important buds have an extra layer of protection, as they are surrounded by dense, moist needles. If these needles burn, they release moisture to protect the central bud, so that, as long as the fire passes quickly, the bud will survive, and the young tree can continue to grow. With these adaptations, longleaf pine forests can recover relatively well from forest fires, as long as the intensity of the fires is not too high.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Longleaf pine forests recover relatively well from forest fires.
      By: Evgeny Dubinchuk
      Longleaf pine forests recover relatively well from forest fires.
    • Longleaf pine is commonly found in forests in the U.S.
      By: SophySweden
      Longleaf pine is commonly found in forests in the U.S.