On young longleaf pine, the bark appears brownish gray in color and is deeply furrowed. As the tree ages the furrows become shallower and the color assumes an orange-brown shade. Also as the tree ages the exterior scales appear more papery. The thick bark of longleaf pine generally protects the trees from the frequent surface fires that occur in the area. Scaly bark also tends to slough off during a fire. Generally the soot of past fires can be viewed in the bark furrows. Occasionally, however, fires may find a weak spot and burn through the bark. From then on, the bleeding of resin from this wound allows future surface fires a great advantage and over time a noticeable fire scar may develop. A large fire scar may weaken (or perhaps kill) a longleaf pine tree. Nonetheless, fire scars make excellent nesting sites for animal such as bluebirds.

It is not uncommon to find many insects (centipedes, spiders, ants, etc.) seeking refuge under the bark of longleaf pine trees. Because of this rich food source, many species of birds such as the white-breasted nuthatch, brown creeper and red-cockaded woodpecker scramble up and down the tree, peeling off scales of bark in search of insects. Some reptiles or amphibians like the barking tree frog or pinewood's treefrog take a more passive approach to hunting food and simply wait on the bark for food to come to them.

(back)