Identifying characteristics:
This species has also become known as the "Norway pine." Early
settlers may have mistaken this species for a Norway spruce, or it may have
occurred in abundance near a Maine town called Norway. The red pine grows
50 to 80 feet tall, with a tall, straight, clear trunk and a symmetrical,
oval crown. Needles are characteristically
tufted at the tips of branches. They are slender, in fascicles of 2, and
are 4 to 6 inches long. They are fairly flexible, but snap readily when
bent in half (unlike the Austrian pine). Margins are minutely toothed, the
tip is sharp-pointed, and irregular lines of stomata occur on the surfaces.
Needles persist for 4 years and the sheath is persistent. Cones
(to 2 inches long) are conical-ovoid, symmetrical, pendant and mature in
2 seasons. The rounded apophysis is chestnut-brown, and the umbos are without
prickles. Cones are almost stalkless, and the basal scales remain attached
to the twig when the cone falls, leaving a small depression in the base
of the cone. Terminal buds are ovoid, sharp-pointed and resinous,
with loose, overlapping, ragged, reddish-brown, hairy scales. Bark
is scaly and orange-red on young trees, becoming dark gray and divided
into large, flat, irregularly diamond-shaped plates, with superficial orange
scales.
Similar species:
Ecology:
Distribution: The red pine is native to northeastern North America
from Newfoundland to Manitoba, extending into the northern regions of midwestern
and northeastern US, and is Minnesota's state tree. It is planted throughout
Iowa, but is not native here.
Habitat: Red pine grows best in northern climates with low to moderate rainfall, and occurs on hills, ridges, outcrops and flatwoods. It thrives on exposed, dry, acid, sandy or gravely soils and requires full sun; but grows poorly or dies on wet, clay or calcareous soils. Natural stands originate after fire, or follow Jack pine (P. banksiana) after logging and in cutovers. Red pines growing in acid soils are less susceptible to pests and diseases. Pine tussock moth, Nantucket pine-tip moth, cankers, rusts, Diplodia needle tip blight, pine looper and Pales weevil may be problematic on red pine. Plantation-grown trees are subject to root rot fungus.
Uses:
Wood: Red pine is an important timber tree in eastern North
America. The pale reddish wood is close-grained, moderately hard
and moderately heavy. It is readily penetrated by timber preservatives and
is used for poles, posts, doors, window sashes, milled products, bridge
construction and cabin logs. It is an important source of pulp.
Wildlife: This species is very important to wildlife. Birds (red crossbills, pine siskins, pine grosbeaks), red squirrels, chipmunks and voles consume the seeds. Needles provide evergreen cover and nesting materials for various species.
Horticulture: Although growth is often adversely affected by the high clay content of soils in the state, red pine is used in Iowa for windbreaks, shelterbelts, wildlife habitats and conservation plantings. It is suitable for ornamental use in large areas such as parks, golf courses and campuses. A valuable reforestation species, red pine is second only to Jack pine in pioneering cutover areas. 'Globosa' is a compact, short-needled form.
