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The state tree of Minnesota is the Norway pine, also known as red pine. It is called “Norwegian pine” due to its resemblance to trees in Norway and historical significance to the state. It is commonly used for lumber and resistant to disease and pests.
Norway pine, or red pine, is the state tree of Minnesota. It is also known by its species name, Pinus resinosa. It was designated the state tree of Minnesota by the state legislature in 1953. This species of pine has red colored bark and long pine needles and can grow quite large, but typically grows slowly, particularly as it ages.
Interestingly, the Minnesota State Tree has two names. Most people call it “red pine,” but Minnesota folks usually refer to it as “Norwegian pine” because of its historical significance to the state. When Europeans, particularly large numbers of Norwegians, began settling Minnesota, they saw an abundance of these trees. As the species resembled trees common in Norway, people started calling them Norwegian pine. The name stuck, and the legislature eventually adopted the tree as one of Minnesota’s symbols.
Over the years, the Minnesota State Tree has begun to decline in numbers, but they are still quite evident in areas such as central Minnesota. Specifically, Itasca State Park boasts the largest number of Norway pines. Reports indicate that pines cover about 5,000 acres (about 20 square kilometers) of state land in the park.
Red pines, in general, are quite tall, reaching heights of 60 to 90 feet (about 18.2 to 27.4 m). The largest of all red pines in Minnesota can be found in the Chippewa National Forest: one tree is marked with a sign stating that it is 120 feet tall (about 36.6 m) and more than 3 feet wide (about 0.91 m). It is also estimated to be over 300 years old. To some, this particular Norway Pine is considered the supreme symbol of Minnesota’s state tree.
Norway pines are commonly used for lumber. Early settlers frequently used it to construct homes and buildings for their emerging cities. It has also been used to create natural fences to prevent erosion and reduce the effects of high winds and heavy snowdrifts.
Because the tree is resistant to many forms of disease and pests, it is often planted in landscaped areas of the home or office. It’s also not limited to growth in Minnesota. It can also be found throughout Canada and in the Midwestern and Eastern areas of the United States.
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