Pinus palustris Mill.

LONGLEAF PINE

**

This species is characteristic of fire-maintained uplands in central and northern Florida, supporting a uniquely diverse ecosystem. Historically, the tree was widely used for naval stores and logging. Over 90% of the original stands of longleaf pine in Florida (and elsewhere) are gone, most of it lost by the 1970s (Smith et al. 2000; Frost 2006; Hanberry et al. 2023). Many of these areas were planted with loblolly, slash, or sand pine. There have been appreciable efforts made to restore some longleaf pine habitats. Though a primarily upland species, in 1768 Miller was informed the species inhabited swamps and thus gave the epithet 'palustris' (Ward 1974).

Native FACU (NWPL) U (WAP)

**