The Longleaf Pine once covered over 90 million acres of the southeastern U.S., but now survives in less than 5% of its original range due to logging and development. It has exceptionally long needles and a unique life cycle that includes a "grass stage" to protect against fire. Fire is essential for its growth and helps maintain the open, biodiverse savannas it dominates.
This tree supports hundreds of species, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, and is central to efforts to restore Southern pine ecosystems.