NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga ![]() NPS Photo Pinus palustrisTwo centuries ago, longleaf pine forests stretched across the southeastern United States, from east Texas to Virginia. Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) was the dominant tree species on an estimated 60 million acres, and an important part of the mixes of tree species on another 30 million acres. The US Fish & Wildlife Service has found more than 30 plants and animals associated with longleaf pine ecosystems, including the red-cockaded woodpecker, Texas trailing phlox, Louisiana pine snake, and gopher tortoises, all of which are now listed or being considered as threatened or endangered. Today, longleaf pine ecosystems are found on just over three million acres, or three percent of its historic range, primarily in scattered tracts on federal, state, and conservancy lands. Some private longleaf pine areas are protected by easements. NPS Photo / Andrew Bennett |
Last updated: October 6, 2024