Tree
Pinyon Pine
Pinus edulis
Compact evergreen that sips water and drops edible pine nuts. Slow but bulletproof.
- Evergreen
- Native
- Edible
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 5–8
- Water
- Very low once established
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size
- 10–30 ft tall × 10–20 ft wide
- Bloom & interest
- Dense evergreen needles; cones with edible pine nuts
- Plant type
- Tree
- Native range
- Native to the Colorado Plateau and southern Rockies (CO, NM, UT, AZ)
Why we recommend it
The definitive low-water native evergreen of the interior West, surviving on very little water and providing year-round structure and wildlife value.
Best regions: Front RangeHigh DesertGreat BasinSouthwest
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Water deeply every 2 weeks the first two summers, then only monthly in severe drought. Overwatering invites disease.
Pruning
Rarely needed; remove dead or crossing branches in late winter.
Soil
Well-drained, rocky or sandy soil; tolerates alkaline. Avoid lawn irrigation zones.
Pairs well with
Read more
Where to buy
Shop Pinyon Pine from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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