Native species: 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. In addition, in both the spring and fall,
wildflowers bring the forest to life with a myriad of colors.
Site Adaptations: Longleaf pine can be regenerated across a wide
variety of site conditions. Though typically thought of as a
sandhill species, longleaf pine was once covered about 2/3 of
the southeast; being found on all but the wettest soils. Reduced
Risk of Loss to Natural Causes: Longleaf pine is highly
resistant to pine beetles and fusiform rust, tolerant of
wildfire and ice, and generally wind-firm. In