Red Pine
Pinus resinosa
Also listed as Pinus rubra
Also known as Norway Pine, American Red Pine, Canadian Red Pine
Climate Match for your location
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A native North American conifer with distinctive red-tinged bark and needles in bundles of two. Red pine is a long-lived, hardy tree that thrives in poor soils and provides year-round evergreen structure.
Why grow it
Red pine occupies a distinct ecological niche among native conifers, performing reliably in sandy or acidic soils where many ornamental evergreens struggle. Unlike eastern white pine, it resists white pine blister rust and exhibits stronger branch structure, making it valuable for windbreaks and erosion control in poor-soil sites. Its relatively narrow crown and moderate growth rate (compared to faster-growing species like larch) suit smaller landscape scales while still providing durable winter interest.
Watch out for
Red pine naturally sheds lower branches as it matures, which some gardeners find aesthetically awkward during establishment; this trait reflects its forest ecology rather than poor health. Dense plantings can trap moisture near the base, so spacing and site drainage warrant attention in humid regions. Young trees may take several years to develop their characteristic reddish bark coloration.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Pinaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native North American conifer with distinctive red-tinged bark and needles in bundles of two. Red pine is a long-lived, hardy tree that thrives in poor soils and provides year-round evergreen structure.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Red Pine grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Red pine occupies a distinct ecological niche among native conifers, performing reliably in sandy or acidic soils where many ornamental evergreens struggle. Unlike eastern white pine, it resists white pine blister rust and exhibits stronger branch structure, making it valuable for windbreaks and erosion control in poor-soil sites. Its relatively narrow crown and moderate growth rate (compared to faster-growing species like larch) suit smaller landscape scales while still providing durable winter interest.
Watch out for
Red pine naturally sheds lower branches as it matures, which some gardeners find aesthetically awkward during establishment; this trait reflects its forest ecology rather than poor health. Dense plantings can trap moisture near the base, so spacing and site drainage warrant attention in humid regions. Young trees may take several years to develop their characteristic reddish bark coloration.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Pinaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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