Pinus monophylla aka Nut Pine

Pinus monophylla is a conifer in the pine family. It is evergreen, keeping its leaves through the year. People call it single-leaf pinyon and California nut pine. Its native range spans much of the western United States. It runs from southern Idaho through Utah, Nevada, and California. It also reaches parts of Arizona and New Mexico. To the south, it reaches northern Baja California in Mexico. Oregon State does not list it as native to Oregon.

This tree grows slowly and often has more than one trunk. Virginia Tech gives a height of 40 feet [12.2 metres]. Oregon State gives an upper height of 50 feet [15 metres]. Trunks may twist, and branches can start near the ground. The branches rise toward a round or flat crown. Young bark is smooth and pale gray. With age, the bark forms reddish-brown grooves. It also forms dark gray ridges with scales. Twigs are fairly thick and light reddish brown. The buds have pointed tips and the same reddish-brown shade.

The stiff needles stay on the tree through the year. Most bundles hold one needle, which explains the species name. Some bundles hold two, and Virginia Tech also notes three. Needles measure about 0.08–0.17 feet [0.025–0.051 metres] long. They are thick and have a slight curve. A cut across a needle shows a round shape. Their sharp tips can prick the skin. The leaves range from green to gray-green and have white bands. Each needle bundle has a sheath, or outer cover. This drops off after the first year.

Male and female cones grow on the same tree. Pale yellow male cones cluster at the ends of branches. Purple female cones grow in small groups at branch tips. Plants For A Future gives spring as the flowering season. Ripe cones are woody and reddish brown. They have a broad egg shape. They reach about 0.17–0.25 feet [0.051–0.076 metres] long. Short stalks join them to the branches. Thick, broad scales have deep hollows that once held paired seeds. The large seeds have no wings. Cones can stay on the tree for years.

In gardens, this pine needs sun and can withstand drought. Oregon State rates its cold hardiness at USDA Zone 5. Its broad crown gives the landscape a lasting form. Its evergreen leaves help keep that form through the year. The seeds are edible pine nuts and provide food. Plants For A Future lists it for food forests. The supplied sources give no specific pest or disease guidance. They also do not assess this species for toxicity.