The longleaf pine is one of the largest and well-known southern yellow pines. History records indicate that some of the choicest stands of longleaf were set aside by the English Crown for the exclusive use of the British Navy. These trees were ideal for the masts and spars of sailing vessels. The resinous materials were suited for caulking the planking of hulls and decks. 

When the supply of high-grade white pine began to dwindle, lumbermen looked to southern pinelands. By 1909, the south was the principal lumbering center of the nation. About half of the annual cut was longleaf pine. Today, this tree is used in the manufacture of various products. It is also a very important component of the habitat of the red cockaded woodpecker.

Longleaf pine is the state tree of both Alabama and North Carolina.