Knobcone Pine
Pinus attenuata
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
BLM
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus attenuata
- USDA Symbol:
- PIAT
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 2400 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Dioryctria auranticella, Eucosma rescissoriana, Mimosa webworm (Exoteleia burkei), Nantucket pine tip moth (Rhyacionia frustrana)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Eudrepanulatrix rectifascia, marbled dagger moth (Acronicta marmorata), Merry Melipotis (Melipotis jucunda), Sabulodes edwardsata
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fire Ecology:
- Requires fire for germination
- Fire Notes:
- Serotinous cones require heat from fire to open and release seeds; a fire-dependent species that regenerates after stand-replacing fires.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found in chaparral and dry slopes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy; sow in well-drained seedbeds.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 90 days.
Notes: Seeds may require light for optimal germination.
Source: Claude AI
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)