Did you know that Minnesota has an official state tree? It’s true! The red pine, also known as the Norway pine, was designated as the state tree by state legislation passed in 1953.
The legislation establishing the red pine as Minnesota’s state tree can be found in Chapter 1, Section 1.143 of the Minnesota Statutes. In the same legislation, Chapter 20 describes the tree’s majesty and importance.
“the sturdiness and majesty of the tree, and how it helped lay the foundation for the wealth of Minnesota.”
In this article, we’ll briefly examine the history of the red pine in Minnesota and some of its more notable characteristics.
Red Pine or Norway Pine?
If you were to ask someone from Minnesota about the difference between a red pine and a Norway pine, they might give you a quizzical look. After all, these two types of trees are actually the same species.
So why the different names?
The answer lies in the history of early exploration and settlement in North America. When foreign explorers first arrived in the state, they found many unfamiliar plants and animals.
To make sense of their new surroundings, they often gave these new species names based on familiar ones back home, i.e., Norwegian scotch pine. As a result, the North American red pine came to be known as the Norway pine.
Ironically, this name has nothing to do with the country of Norway. It is simply a case of mistaken identity. Nevertheless, the name has stuck, and Minnesota is the only state in which the Norway pine is still commonly referred to by this name.
Besides Norway Pine’s name, the tree is also widely called Red Pine for its reddish-brown bark.
Red Pine, or Norway Pine, is one of the 52 native trees in North America.
About the Red/Norway Pine Tree
Of all the trees in the forest, there is none quite as mighty as the Red Pine. The Red Pine is a sight to behold, reaching up to an impressive 150 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter.
They have a straight, uniform trunk with needles 4 to 6 inches long. The cones of red pines mature when the tree reaches 15 to 20 years old.
But it’s not just its size that makes the Red Pine so unique – it’s also its resilience. Able to live for 400 years, this tree is one of the most long-lived trees. Not to mention, it is also highly resistant to insects and diseases.
In addition to being an impressive sight, the red pine has many practical uses thanks to its resistance to insect and disease damage. When small, it is popular as a Christmas tree. When mature, its lightweight, close-grained, pale reddish wood makes it ideal for structural timber and pulpwood. Additionally, it can be used for poles, piles, mining timbers, and railroad ties.
Best Places to See Red Pine Trees
Red pine trees are native to North America and can be found in several different areas. They generally prefer to grow in exposed regions like islands, peninsulas, lakeshores, and steep slopes.
The best place to see red pine trees in Minnesota is Itasca State Park. The park has 5,000 acres of Norway Pines. You can also find the tallest red pine tree in Minnesota here. The tree is 120 ft high and is over 300 years old!
Not only will you be able to see some magnificent trees, but you can also explore the area and participate in some fun activities. To explore the area around the park, you can camp in a state park or stay at a resort or hotel in nearby towns, such as Bemidji, Cass Lake, or Walker.