Pinus resinosa , commonly known as Red Pine or Norway Pine , is a phallus of the Pinus genus within the Pinaceae house , which cover pine trees among other conifers . This species is characterized by its carmine - dark-brown barque , long needles in pairs , and the production of cones with a classifiable , abrupt prickle on each scale . The name “ resinosa ” reflects the tree diagram ’s high resin capacity , which historically has been employ .

Red Pine is native to North America , with its range primarily concentrated in the northeastern United States and southeast Canada . It stretches from the Canadian province of Ontario , Quebec , and New Brunswick , southward through Minnesota , Wisconsin , Michigan , New York , and into Pennsylvania . It prefers flaxen , well - drained soils and is often come up in pure stand or flux with other conifers in circumboreal and motley forest .

Historically , Red Pine has been pregnant due to its quality quality . autochthonal peoples used it for various purpose , including construction and as a root of rosin for adhesive , sealing , and medicament . European settlers capitalise on its straight growth for ship masts , lumber , and pulpwood , lead to extensive logging in the 19th and early 20th centuries , which importantly reduce its natural stands . Its resin was also harvested for oil of turpentine and tar . Over time , preservation sweat have aimed to restore Red Pine universe , recognizing its ecologic and economical value . Its name “ Norway Pine ” is a misnomer , likely due to early settler confusing it with a similar European species .

Red Pine is adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 5 , reflecting its preference for cold , northern climates with long , snowy winter . Its lifespan can be substantial , often living 200 to 400 days , with some trees potentially reaching 500 year under idealistic stipulation . Its longevity is supported by its power to thrive in short , sandy ground , where it can grow relatively gratis from competition , although it ’s susceptible to certain plague and disease in its later twelvemonth .

Red Pine (Norway Pine) (Pinus resinosa): Characteristics

Red Pine (Norway Pine) (Pinus resinosa): Cultivation

situation Selection

Choose a web site with full sunshine exposure , as Red Pine thrive in undefendable , sunny conditions . It opt cooler climate , mimicking its lifelike home ground in northerly forest .

Soil Preparation

Prefers well - drained , sandy , or loamy soils with an acidulous pH. Amend sullen or clay grease with sand or constitutional matter to improve drain , as inadequate drainage can lead to root diseases .

Planting

Plant in spring or fall . Dig a hole double as wide as the etymon ball but at the same profundity , insure the root arrest is level with the soil surface . Space Tree about 15 to 20 ft aside for forest planting or wide for ornamental use .

lacrimation

body of water deeply after planting to serve ascendant lay down . Once instal , Red Pine is drought - broad but will benefit from water during prolonged dry enchantment , peculiarly in its first few years .

Mulching

Use a thin layer of mulch like pine needle or Natalie Wood chips to aid hold grunge wet , cut weed competitor , and regularise ground temperature . Keep mulch away from the trunk .

Fertilization

Fertilize sparingly , as Red Pine is adapted to alimentary - poor soils . If soil is extremely short , lend oneself a humbled - N , slow - release plant food in other spring .

Pruning and Maintenance

Prune in late winter or early saltation to transfer idle or morbid branches or to shape young trees . lop broken branches can also advertise a cleared trunk for timber yield .

Pest and Disease Management

Watch for pestilence like the European pine tree shoot moth or pine needle scale , and diseases like Diplodia tip blight or ascendent rot . Good web site option and spatial arrangement can palliate many proceeds .

Propagation

Can be spread by seed , which require social stratification ( stale treatment ) for best germination , or by cuttings . Seeds should be sow in the fall or stratified for natural spring planting .

Winter Care

In its hardiness zone , no special wintertime care is postulate as it ’s well - adapted to cold . However , in areas with heavy snow or ice , young tree diagram might need protection from branch breaking .