The Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris) is a long-lived, ecologically critical native conifer of the southeastern U.S. coastal plain, known for its extremely long needles (up to 18 inches), fire-adapted "grass stage" seedling development, and significant role in supporting high biodiversity. Historically covering 90 million acres, these towering trees, which can live up to 500 years, are now heavily focused on for restoration after being reduced to less than 5.2 million acres.