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Pinus edulis (monophylla)
Common Name Pinyon Pine
Family Pinaceae (Pine Family)

Description

This is where pine nuts are found! The gnarled bark and seemingly chatoic growth pattern of the pinyon pine is a distinguishing feature. It is not a particularly tall tree, reaching heights of only 10 meters. Growth is extremely slow. This pine has a very pleasant fragrance.

Range

Occurs throughout the intermountain west, north to Wyoming and south to Mexico. Elevation: 5,000-7,000 feet.

Culture

Prefers dry, rocky soils.

Value

Probably the best tree for the low water landscape, particularly P. monophylla that almost always has a pleasing conical form with a sky blue color, and the very interesting undivided needles that look like small spears. Both species produce delicious nuts that were the staple foot of many local native americans. Uncommon in trade due to slow growth.

Propagation

Pinyon Pine sheds its seeds between September and October. Fresh seeds do not require cold treatment (pre-chilling), but stored seed must have between 0 and 60 days. Germination is sporadic over 1 to 3 years. Sow seeds in the spring. Stored seed will need a 48-hour soak in hydrogen peroxide (from the market). Rinse the seed and cold treat up to 60 days as listed above. Do not let the seed get too moist in the cold treatment as it will rot.