Scientific Family
Pinaceae
Synonyms
Pinus californiarum, Pinus edulis Engelm. var. fallax
Plant type
Trees
Riparian
No
Plant Description
Origin
Native
Similar species
Pinus edulis
Often with several twisted trunks, low branches and a broad crown. Similar to P. edulis, but more heat tolerant and has lower ultimate height and needles are usually single. P. monophylla does hybridize with P. edulis.
Needles usually solitary, round, sometimes with a strong groove on each side. Trunk strongly tapering, much branched; crown usually rounded, dense.
Height
20 feet
Width
15 feet
Habitat
Habitat description
Found in dry woodlands and dry rocky soils.
Plant Community
Grasslands
Interior Chaparral
Montane Conifer Forest
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Low elevation
3200
High elevation
7000
Leaves
Leaf color
Green to grayish-green
Leaf type
Needles
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Leaf Drop
Evergreen
Needles mostly single. Stout, slightly curved and sharp-tipped, 1 to 2 inches long. Numerous white bands. Needle sheath sheds after first year.
Flowers
Flower shape
Other
Tubular
No
Gymnosperm, does not flower.
Flower clusters
None
Fruit
Fruit color
Reddish-brown
Fruit type
Cone or cone-like
Woody, broadly ovoid cone. Short-stalked 2 to 3 inches long. Thick, broad, large scales deeply recessed and hold large wingless seeds, remain on tree for 2 years.