Contents
Description
Pinus Edulis, commonly known as the piñon pine, is a slow-growing evergreen tree that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It belongs to the Pinaceae family and is a popular landscaping tree due to its unique foliage and edible pine nuts. The tree can grow up to 33 feet tall and 20 feet wide with a rounded crown.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Pinus |
Appearance
The piñon pine has a distinct appearance with short, blue-green needles that grow in pairs and are about 1-2 inches long. The bark is thick and rough, with a dark brown color that becomes more furrowed as the tree ages. The tree produces small, yellow-green cones that are about 2-3 inches long and contain edible pine nuts.
Care Guide
Pinus Edulis is a low maintenance tree that requires minimal care. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. The tree is drought tolerant and only needs to be watered during periods of prolonged drought. Fertilization is not necessary, but can be done in the spring if desired. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The piñon pine is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including bark beetles, scale insects, and rust. Bark beetles can cause significant damage to the tree if left untreated, but can be controlled with insecticides. Scale insects can be removed by hand or with insecticidal soap. Rust can be prevented by planting the tree in well-draining soil and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Pinus Edulis is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in dry, rocky soils at elevations of 4,000-8,000 feet. The tree is commonly found in piñon-juniper woodlands and is an important source of food and shelter for wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
Question and Answer
Q: Are piñon pine trees fast-growing?
A: No, piñon pine trees are slow-growing and can take up to 10 years to reach maturity.
Q: Can piñon pine trees be grown in containers?
A: Yes, piñon pine trees can be grown in containers as long as they are provided with well-draining soil and adequate sunlight.
Q: Are piñon pine trees drought tolerant?
A: Yes, piñon pine trees are drought tolerant and only need to be watered during prolonged periods of drought.
Q: Can piñon pine trees be used for landscaping?
A: Yes, piñon pine trees are commonly used for landscaping due to their unique foliage and edible pine nuts.
Related Plants
- Pinus Ponderosa
- Pinus Sylvestris
- Pinus Nigra
References
- “Pinus Edulis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 21 September 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280418&isprofile=0&basic=pinus%20edulis
- “Piñon Pine.” Colorado State Forest Service. Accessed 21 September 2021. https://csfs.colostate.edu/pinon-pine/
- “Piñon Pine Tree Facts.” Gardening Know How. Accessed 21 September 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/pinon-pine/pinon-pine-tree-facts.htm
