How much sun does Red Pine need?

Red Pine grows best in full sun conditions.

Where is Red Pine native?

Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) is native to CT, IL, MA, ME and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Red Pine toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Red Pine as toxic to livestock.

Is Red Pine HOA-friendly?

Red Pine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Red Pine

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pinus resinosa

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Red Pine as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

60"–240" H × 30"–60" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

CT, IL, MA, ME and 9 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Northern Piedmont Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Red pine is a tall, straight-trunked evergreen tree with distinctive reddish-brown bark and long, dark green needles in pairs. It develops a classic conical shape when young, maturing into a more oval crown with age. This hardy native thrives in full sun and tolerates poor soils and drought conditions once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Red Pine is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.

Very large mature size may not suit smaller properties
Needle drop creates maintenance needs

Wildlife value

Red pine provides nesting sites for birds and shelter for various wildlife species. The seeds are eaten by squirrels, chipmunks, and birds like nuthatches and woodpeckers.

Common questions

How much sun does Red Pine need?: Red Pine grows best in full sun conditions.
Where is Red Pine native?: Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) is native to CT, IL, MA, ME and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Red Pine toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Red Pine as toxic to livestock.
Is Red Pine HOA-friendly?: Red Pine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Red Pine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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