Summary
The Red Pine tree, scientifically known as Pinus resinosa Aiton, belongs to the Pinaceae family, commonly referred to as the Pine family. This coniferous evergreen is native to the northeastern United States and parts of Canada, known for its tall, straight growth and reddish-brown, scaly bark. The Red Pine has various practical applications, including timber production and ecological significance, and is the state tree of Minnesota.
What is the Scientific Name of the Red Pine Tree?
The scientific name of the Red Pine tree is Pinus resinosa Aiton. It is classified under the following taxonomic hierarchy:
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Gymnospermae
- Division: Pinophyta
- Class: Pinopsida
- Order: Pinales
- Family: Pinaceae
- Genus: Pinus
- Subgenus: P. subg. Pinus
- Section: P. sect. Pinus
- Subsection: P. subsect. Pinus
- Species: P. resinosa
What are the Common Names of the Red Pine Tree?
The Red Pine tree is also known by several common names, including:
- Red Pine
- Norway Pine
- Canadian Pine
- Eastern Red Pine
What are the Physical Characteristics of the Red Pine Tree?
The Red Pine tree is a coniferous evergreen with the following physical characteristics:
- Height: Typically 50-80 feet (15-24 meters), with some specimens reaching up to 125 feet (38 meters)
- Trunk: Straight, covered with reddish-brown, scaly bark
- Crown: Conical, becoming a narrow rounded dome with age
- Leaves: Needle-like, dark yellow-green, growing in fascicles of two, measuring 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long
- Cones: Symmetrical ovoid, 1.5-2.5 inches (3.8-6.4 cm) long by 1 inch (2.5 cm) broad, purple before maturity, ripening to nut-blue and opening to 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm) broad
What are the Measurements of the Red Pine Tree?
The Red Pine tree has the following measurements:
| Measurement | Range |
|---|---|
| Average Height | 50-80 feet (15-24 meters) |
| Trunk Diameter | 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate, reaching maturity in 50-100 years |
Where is the Red Pine Tree Native?
The Red Pine tree is native to the northeastern United States and parts of Canada. Its natural range spans from Newfoundland and Manitoba to Pennsylvania and Minnesota. It grows well in sandy soils and on soils that are too poor for white pine, and it prefers full sunlight, unable to tolerate shade. The tree’s habitat typically experiences cool summers and cold winters, as it is commonly found in regions with such climates.
What are the Uses of the Red Pine Tree?
The Red Pine tree has several practical applications:
- Timber: The wood is commercially valuable for timber and paper pulp.
- Ecological Roles: It provides nesting sites for eagles and other birds, shelter for mammals, and habitat for mid-successional understory vegetation that provides valuable wildlife browse.
- Cultural Significance: It is the state tree of Minnesota and has cultural significance in Scandinavian communities.
What is the Conservation Status of the Red Pine Tree?
The Red Pine tree is not currently considered endangered. However, it is susceptible to many insect and disease problems in warm climates, including needle cast, needle blight, bark canker, root rots, and rusts. In some areas, budworm is the most significant insect pest.
References:
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PIRE
- https://trees.umn.edu/red-pine-pinus-resinosa
- https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_1/pinus/resinosa.htm