Pinus resinosa aka American Red Pine

Pinus resinosa, or red pine, belongs to the pine family. This evergreen tree grows in eastern North America. Its range runs from Newfoundland west to Manitoba. It extends south to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York. Wild trees grow on hills, slopes, ridges and plains. Many grow in sandy ground.

Garden trees often reach 50–80 feet (15.2–24.4 metres) tall. Oregon State gives a smaller range of 25–50 feet (7.6–15.2 metres). Some trees reach 125 feet (38.1 metres). Spread can reach 25 feet (7.6 metres). The trunk grows straight, with a cone-shaped to rounded crown. Side branches spread outward or angle up from the trunk. Some lower branches start close to the ground. Growth proceeds at a medium rate.

The bark gives red pine its common name. Thin, rough plates mix red-orange, brown and silver-gray tones. Peeling plates expose red tones beneath the surface. New stems are thick and have a yellow cast. Older twigs take on an orange-brown shade. Sharp needles grow in pairs and form tufts. They measure about 0.3–0.5 feet (0.10–0.15 metres) long. Their green shades range from yellow-green to dark green. Fine teeth line their edges, and the needles may twist. They snap when bent and stay green through fall. Needles can remain on the tree for four years.

Red pine bears male and female cones on one tree. Its reproductive parts offer little value as a floral display. The egg-shaped seed cones grow alone or in pairs. They reach about 0.17–0.21 feet (0.05–0.06 metres) long. Mature cones turn light brown to nut-brown. Oregon State reports that they drop in their third year. Seeds germinate readily without a dormant period.

Full sun suits this tree best, though Oregon State allows partial shade. It favors loose, acidic sand or well-drained sandy loam. Sources describe suitable soil as dry to moderately moist. The tree tolerates drought and a range of soils. Cool summers and cold winters favor its growth. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 2–5. Its bark and green winter foliage suit an accent planting. Heat, humid summers and urban pollution can limit success. It also tolerates wind and salt poorly. Healthy trees in cool climates often have few serious problems. Needle diseases, cankers, root rots and rusts may occur. Pests include budworms, sawflies, beetles, weevils, moths and needle miners. Red pine scale can also cause trouble.