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Senior Staff Assistant Sue Maurer
Red Pine Pinus resinosa
Pine Pinaceae family
Leaves: Needles are quite long reaching 4"-6" and grow in sets of two. Needles are sharper than white pine and also more sturdy, often break when bent.
Flowers/Fruits: Cones are 1.5"-2.5" long and look somewhat rounded when mature. Cones develop over two growing seasons and following that they will not accumulate on the tree.
Twigs/Bark: Branches grow horizontally to somewhat drooping and the crown of the tree develops into a dome shape. Dead lower braches are common due to shade intolerance. Bark is thick with furrows and occasionally tinted red.
Form/Habitat: Red pine appears stronger and somewhat beefy compared to white pine which has a must softer appeal. Heights can reach 50'-80' tall. Often found on washed out, sandy plains, mountain slopes, or exposed sites near lakes and swamps. Prefers dry sandy, acidic, infertile soils. Also commonly planted.
Interesting Fact: Red pine is not easily windthrown, as a seedling it develops a taproot 6"-18" deep and a mature tree can have vertical roots between 5'-15'deep.
NWI Status: FACU
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