Pinus monophylla (Pinyon Pine)

Photographs

My photos:

This tree was growing at Joshua Tree.

More photos:

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Pinaceae

In the garden:

This low evergreen will grow to be about 40 feet tall. Needles are mostly in groups (known as fasicles) of one, between 1 and 1-1/2 inches long, and pale gray-green. The seeds of this pine are edible and in fact, are considered one of the best. This pine is extremely slow growing in the desert environment. It makes a good bonsai and is excellent in a rock garden. Also, it fits readily into dry, rocky locations, especially when planted with Juniperus californicus. The wood is light, soft, and brittle; it is used largely for fuel and charcoal. This plant may reach an age of 200 years or more.

In the wild:

In nature, it grows mostly on dry rocky slopes and ridges, between 3500 and 9000 feet. This plant may reach an age of 250 years or more.

Ethnobotany:

It served as an important food source for many inhabitants of Southern California.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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