Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Specialized needle, evergreen
Shape
Needle-like, occurring in fascicles of two
Margin
Entire (smooth, finely toothed under magnification)
Arrangement
Spiral, clustered in fascicles of two bound by a persistent basal sheath
Venation
Parallel (single central vascular bundle within the needle)
Key Features
Needles strictly in fascicles of two that are 4 to 6 inches long and snap cleanly when bent in half, combined with reddish scaly bark
Description
The Red Pine is a majestic evergreen conifer known for its straight trunk, reddish-brown scaly bark, and an open, rounded crown. It produces cylindrical brown cones and distinct long needles bundled in pairs that snap cleanly when bent.
Habitat
Dry, sandy, or rocky soils in boreal and northern coniferous forests, thriving in full sun
Native Range
Native to northeastern North America, spanning from southeastern Canada down through the Great Lakes region and into the northeastern United States