Arbor Month - Symbols

Photograph of Red Pine

Minnesota's State Tree, the Red Pine

The red, or Norway, pine (Pinus resinosa) was designated the Minnesota state tree in 1956. It can grow up to 80 feet tall and 36 inches in diameter, but the state's biggest red pine on record in the Lost 40 SNA located in the Big Fork State Forest is 120 feet tall and circumference of 115 inches. It is believed that the red pine received its common name, Norway pine, from English settlers who thought it resembled the Norwegian scotch pine. Others speculate that the tree took its name from the town of Norway, Maine, another locale where red pine was observed by early settlers. The species is extensively planted for its ability to tolerate bad soils, exposed sites, cold, and wind.
Photograph of Bur Oak

America's National Tree, the Oak

In November of 2004 the United States Congress designated a national tree, This link leads to an external site. the oak. The largest species of oak on record in Minnesota is a bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) that is privately owned in Rochester. It is 60 feet tall and 275 inches in circumference as recorded in Minnesota's Native Big Tree Registry. The largest species of oak on record for the United States is a Live oak(Quercus virginiana) that is 77 feet tall, crown spread 155 feet and 420 inches in circumference.