Red Pine is the Minnesota State Tree. It is a very attractive tree that is planted for erosion control, snow fences, wind breaks and to enhance recreational areas. The bark is distinctive with grey scaly plates that have reddish patches. It is a tall slender tree that is most common on dry, sandy acidic soils. It was heavily logged in the early 20th century and much of its historic habitat has been taken over by Aspens. It tends to be disease and insect tolerant.