Life History and Disturbance Response of Pinus resinosa (red pine)
Family: Pinaceae
Guild: pioneer, dry-site intolerant
Functional Lifeform: medium-size evergreen conifer
Ecological Role: common on well-drained sandy soils and gravelly ridges; successfully competes with short-lived associates jack pine, paper birch and aspen; on good sites is eventually replaced by more shade-tolerant conifers and hardwoods
Lifespan, yrs (typical/max): 200/300
Shade Tolerance: very intolerant
Height, m: 21-24
Canopy Tree: yes
Pollination Agent: wind
Seeding, yrs (begins/optimal/declines): 20/50/150
Mast Frequency, yrs: 3-7
New Cohorts Source: seeds
Flowering Dates: late spring
Flowers/Cones Damaged by Frost: no
Seedfall Begins: early fall
Seed Banking: 1-3 yrs
Cold Stratification Required: yes
Seed Type/Dispersal Distance/Agent: winged/ to 200 m/ wind
Season of Germination: spring
Seedling Rooting System: taproot
Sprouting: does not sprout
Establishment Seedbed Preferences
Substrate: mineral soil
Light: open with protective shade
Moisture: moist required
Temperature: neutral
Disturbance response:
Fire: Red pine thrives in a fire regime of alternating high-intensity, stand-replacing fires at long intervals (1-2 centuries) and moderate-intensity fires at moderate intervals (2-4 decades). Red pine decreases when fire is suppressed. Fire promotes good conditions for red pine regeneration, specifically a bare or lightly covered mineral seedbed free of brushy competition and an open canopy. Fire serves to reduce infestations by some insects. Seedlings are resistant to low- and moderate-intensity fires, if the terminal buds are not killed. Because red pine foliage is highly flammable, saplings and small trees are most vulnerable to fires. By about age 50 most red pines have developed thick bark and a high crown and are resistant to low- and moderate-intensity fires. Seedling establishment may occur from seeds of surviving trees onsite or from offsite seeds carried by wind. Prescribed fire is used for seedbed preparation. Summer fires, with variations in intensity (so some seed trees survive) are most effective in creating these conditions. However, not all canopy-opening fires result in red pine recruitment because good seed crops are infrequent.
Weather: Red pine is susceptible to mortality from flooding. It is subject to breakage and windfall from ice, sleet, and wind.
Air pollution: Red pine is sensitive to sulphur dioxide but tolerant of ozone.