Trees

Pinus resinosa

Red Pine

Pinaceae
NE North America (Nova Scotia/Manitoba to PA/MI/MN; sandy plains, rocky ridges, glaciated landscapes; most genetically uniform N American tree)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height50-80 feet (15-24 m)
Width25-40 feet (7.6-12 m)
Maturity40 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

2 - 6
Zone 2Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer ResistantDrought Tolerant
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Pinus resinosa is an evergreen conifer reaching 50-80 feet (15-24 m) tall with a spread of 25-40 feet (7.6-12 m) and a broadly conical to oval crown, becoming open and flat-topped with age. A two-needle pine, the needles are 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, dark green, flexible, in fascicles of 2—they snap cleanly when bent double (a quick field test). The bark is distinctive—reddish-brown to pinkish-red in broad, flat, scaly plates, giving the common name. Cones are ovoid, 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm), without prickles. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 2. One of the most genetically uniform tree species in North America—almost no genetic variation between populations. The state tree of Minnesota.

Native Range

Pinus resinosa is native to northeastern North America—from Nova Scotia and Manitoba south to Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Minnesota—in sandy plains, rocky ridges, and glaciated landscapes.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen, screen, or in groves at 20-30 foot (6-9 m) spacing on sandy, acidic sites. The reddish-pink bark is the primary feature on mature trees. Native species—extremely cold hardy (zone 2). Not suitable for alkaline soils, urban conditions (pollution/salt sensitive), or clay sites.

How to Identify

Distinguished from P. pinaster by the flexible (versus stiff) needles that snap cleanly when bent, the smaller cones (1.5-2.5 inches versus 4-7 inches), and the reddish-pink (versus deeply furrowed dark) bark. Distinguished from P. contorta by the longer needles (4-6 inches versus 1-3 inches), the reddish bark, and the eastern North American range. The two-needle pine with flexible needles that snap when bent, reddish-pink plated bark, and prickle-free cones is diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height50' - 80'
Width/Spread25' - 40'

Reaches mature size in approximately 40 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Male strobili shed pollen in May. Female cones mature in 2 years to 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm), ovoid, without prickles.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Male strobili May; female cones ovoid 1.5-2.5 inches without prickles; 2-year maturation

Foliage Description

Dark green; flexible needles 4-6 inches in fascicles of 2; snap cleanly when bent

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.5(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
sandloam
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

15-20 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained, acidic, sandy to loamy soil (pH 4.5-6.5). Hardy to zone 2. Intolerant of alkaline soils, compaction, air pollution, and road salt—less urban-adaptable than P. heldreichii. Drought tolerant on sandy soils once established.

Pruning

No routine pruning needed. Maintain central leader when young. The reddish bark develops character on older trees.

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic