Each month Trail Manager, Emily Galka, highlights flora and fauna that she observes in the Goethe State Forest that surrounds the Black Prong Resort. Goethe State Forest Species of the Month: Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris)
Each month Trail Manager, Emily Galka, highlights flora and fauna that she observes in the Goethe State Forest that surrounds the Black Prong Resort.
Last month in researching the Sherman’s Fox squirrel, I learned that they are unique to this area because of the Longleaf pines. I figured since I see these pines daily and that they are a major part of the Goethe’s ecosystem, I should read up on them and why they are special.
Longleaf pines are an endangered species that spans across the southeast United States. It takes 100-150 years for them to mature and can live for 300 years. When they are young they have what is called a grass phase which is when they appear to be a tuft of umbrellaing grass but are truly needles from a very small stem. This phase can last for almost 10 years but eventually grows into a midsize tree which appears like a “grass” bundle on a stick. In the middle of the bundle there is a white terminal bud which basically means the growing end, and it looks like a small candlestick.
Longleaf pines are pyrophytes meaning they rely on fires to knock out their competition, and even produce volatile oils to encourage fire. At the same time, they are resistant to fires, with the dense needles protecting the terminal bud on the smaller more vulnerable trees. The needles can be over a foot long and have a shiny appearance.
The cones are probably most impressive being up to 10 inches long- after a short hunt I was able to find one that was 9in without leaving Black Prong property! From the ground looking up, Longleaf pines are characterized by their “bowling ball” shaped spindle of needles.
While these trees are quite impressive by themselves, they are super beneficial for the animals that use them for homes, most of which will not live in any other trees.


Emily Galka (shown with her horse Lisa) is Black Prong’s Trail Riding Manager and resident naturalist.