Red Pine
pinus resinosa
Also known as: ["Norway Pine","American Red Pine"]
Overview
A tall, straight-growing evergreen tree native to North America, known for its reddish-brown bark and long, flexible needles.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","cold hardy","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Pinaceae |
| Genus: | Pinus |
| Botanical Name: | Pinus resinosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor planting in open areas with ample space for growth
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"-40–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only in very dry conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-drained, slightly acidic sandy loam with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually for young trees; every 2–3 years for mature trees.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate for young trees; light for mature trees.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Adjust for young plants by providing partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate young plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks. Avoid placing in intense midday sun without acclimation. Outdoor placement is ideal for full sun exposure.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate the plant for even growth; use shade cloth for young plants; monitor for sunburn.
Watering
every 7–14 days, depending on soil moisture and climate
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, acidic sandy loam
pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic).
Avoid heavy clay soils; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; test soil pH annually.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C). Tolerates winter lows to -30°F (-34°C) but requires protection from late spring frosts.
Protect from late frosts; water deeply before freezes; provide shade during heatwaves.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only if growth is poor; avoid over-fertilization which can damage roots; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common. Softwood cuttings can be attempted but are less reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Seeds: cold stratify, sow shallowly, keep moist. Cuttings: take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower needles, dip in hormone (optional), plant in medium, maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring for seeds; early summer for cuttings when new growth is semi-hard.
Environment
Seeds: cold stratification required (30–60 days at 40°F or 4°C). Cuttings: warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Seed: well-drained soil mix. Cuttings: moist perlite or sand with bottom heat.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional for cuttings but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Seeds: germination in 1–3 months with cold stratification. Cuttings: rooting in 4–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, heat mat, humidity dome, seed trays.
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; maintain consistent moisture for cuttings; protect from direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Remove branches back to the trunk or a lateral branch. Avoid topping or excessive heading cuts.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and improve air circulation. Focus on structural pruning when young.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood; make clean cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current container; ensure adequate drainage holes.
Method
Use a well-drained soil mix, ensure good drainage, prune roots if necessary, and place in a pot only slightly larger than the root ball.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted as it is usually grown in the ground. Container-grown specimens may need repotting every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Check root bound status; use fresh soil mix; prune roots if crowded; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth. Allow excess water to drain freely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss to improve structure and acidity; ensure good drainage with sand or perlite.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or browning of needles; needle drop; stunted growth; bud dieback.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause needle desiccation and frost damage, especially in late spring frosts.
Solution: Protect young plants with burlap screens in winter; avoid planting in frost pockets; water well before expected freezes to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to needle scorch, reduced growth, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade during heatwaves; ensure adequate soil moisture; use mulch to retain soil coolness.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil fertility before fertilizing; use a balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply at half the recommended rate for mature trees; avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall to prevent new growth vulnerable to frost.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Pinus resinosa. The toxicity is generally low, but ingestion should be avoided to prevent discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Red Pine needles, seeds, or inner bark by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort if consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicPinus resinosa, commonly known as Red Pine, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant quantities. The needles and seeds are particularly noted for their potential to induce nausea and other mild symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pinus resinosa suitable for urban planting?
A: Yes, but it requires well-drained soil and sufficient space to grow.
Q: How fast does Pinus resinosa grow?
A: It is a moderately fast-growing tree, typically gaining 1–2 feet per year in ideal conditions.
Q: Does Pinus resinosa produce edible seeds?
A: The seeds are not typically consumed by humans but are a food source for wildlife.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Pinaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–14 days, depending o |
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