Red pine
Pinus resinosa
Red pine, also called Norway pine in parts of North America, is a northern species with paired needles and warm red-brown bark. The common name does not make it native to Norway.
- Needles per bundle
- 2
- Typical height
- Site-dependent
- Typical spread
- Broad with age
- USDA hardiness
- Hardy to zone 3
Red pine (Pinus resinosa) is associated with northeastern north america. Look for 2 needles per bundle, then confirm with other features and a regional identification guide.
How to recognize red pine
Look for needles in pairs, roughly 5–7 inches long, and relatively small, rounded-oval cones. Mature bark is reddish brown and scaly. Check several healthy needle bundles before making an identification.
Where it grows well
Its native range runs across northeastern North America. Match the planting to local climate, soil, and available light; a species that tolerates cold still needs a suitable root environment.
Before you plant
Use the botanical name when ordering nursery stock so red pine is not confused with Japanese red pine or other red-barked conifers. For a home landscape, ask the nursery for a local mature-size estimate rather than relying on the size of the young specimen.
Hardiness and size vary with local conditions and provenance. Use the figures here as a starting point, then confirm with a local nursery or extension service. A hardiness zone alone does not establish suitability.
Source & further reading
Source consulted October 21, 2026. This profile is an editorial synthesis, not an on-site assessment.