Name

Pinus monophylla Torrey et Frémont, Rep. Exped. Rocky Mts. 319 (1845).
[Singleleaf pinyon pine]

Description

Notes

It is a pinyon pine closely related and similar to P. cembroides. It is unique amongst pines in having needles solitary (actually 5 needles joined for their entire length), rarely in 2s. Needles are stiff, prickly, grey-green, usually bowed and about 5 cm long. The small cones, 3-6 cm long, have few, thickened scales which open wide to release large edible seeds.

Natural Distribution

It is found on island mountain ranges in Utah and Nevada, SW U.S.A.