Pinus edulis
,
Coniferous
Origin:
Southwest US
Pinyon pine is native to the Four Corners area of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona where it is typically found growing with
junipers on drier sites. It has been used in landscape and screen plantings in western Nebraska, especially the southern Panhandle.
Where To Grow
Pinyon pine is a good companion to Rocky Mountain juniper and should be grown in full sun on drier sites. It does not tolerate shade
and should not be planted in tight groups with other evergreens as it prefers some air movement on its foliage.
Suitable to plant west of the 100th meridian.
Size at Maturity
Tree Height
Tree Spread
20-30'
20-25'
Wildlife Benefits
In its native habitat, pinyon pine provides food and shelter to a wide variety of birds, and other animals, including the iconic pinyon
jay, a blue-colored resident of the southwest US.
Additional Considerations
Although pinyon pine does not suffer abnormally from diseases or insect issues in its native habitat, it is suffering from extreme and
prolonged droughts in recent years and climate change will likely exacerbate the problem. In the planted landscape, the tree can struggle
when overwatered.
Related species
The single-leaf pinyon (Pinus monophyla) is very closely related species that grows further west in hotter
and drier climates of Nevada and Arizona. It is not considered suitable for planting in Nebraska.
Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine (Pinus aristata) is a very long-lived species found growing at high elevations of the
Rockies and is well adapted to cold and dry conditions. It is often used as an ornamental in western landscapes, including in western
Nebraska.
Interesting Facts
Pinyon pine has a large, edible seed (nut) and has long been an important food and agronomic crop for southwest Native Americans.