Extension Forestry
Red Pine - Pinus resinosa
The red pine is a native of the Lake states and eastward throughout New England
and southeastern Canada. It had not been planted widely inIowa until the
1930's. Since then it has been planted quite widely for both erosion control
and water conservation, and some for farmstead windbreaks. When growing under
natural conditions, the red pine reaches a height of 90 to 100 feet and a
diameter of 30 to 40 inches, with a tall, straight, clean trunk and an open,
rounded picturesque crown. The tree gets its name from the bright orange-colored
or reddish bark, which divides into large plates as the tree matures.
Red pine needles are 4 to 6 inches long and in bundles of two. The dark
green needles are soft and flexible. When bent sharply they 
snap or break cleanly rather than just folding over as do the needles of other
pines.
The cone is egg-shaped; 2 to 2-1/4 inches long. The cone scales are smooth
and without spines. The seeds are eaten by songbirds and small animals.
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Contact: Paul Wray
Last Update: January, 2001