Red pine (Pinus resinosa)

Form

Height 60' to 80', sometimes 100', diameter 30" to 40"; straight trunk; branches on mature trees form an open, rounded, picturesque head.

Bark

Becomes divided into large reddish-brown plates as it matures, which gives tree its characteristic appearance and its common name, red pine.

Leaf

Needle-like, occurs in clusters of two; dark green; 4" to 6"; breaks cleanly when bent.

Fruit (seed)

Cones are about 2" long, light brown fading to gray; thin, slightly concave cone scales are without spines or prickles and are free from resin; cones ripen about the middle of September of their second season, but stay on branchlets until following spring or summer; seeds small, length about 1/8", dark or mottled brown, winged, and widely scattered by the wind.

Range

Found in many parts of northern and northeastern Minnesota; popular for forest planting because of its disease and insect resistance; thrives on sandy loam or dry, rocky ridges; shade-intolerant.