Twoneedle Pinyon

Pinus edulis

Twoneedle Pinyon

Taxonomy

Division:
Coniferophyta | - Conifers
Family:
Pinaceae
Genus:
Pinus
Species:
Pinus edulis

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
More than 40 ft
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr, may
Bloom Colors:
Yellow

Native Range

United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Wyoming

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Coleotechnites edulicola, Cydia colorana, Dasychira grisefacta, Doris' pinemoth (Coloradia doris), Eucosma bobana, Giant Lophocampa (Lophocampa ingens), Petrova arizonensis, pulmonaria stenoporpia (Stenoporpia pulmonaria), Velda pinemoth (Coloradia velda), Menapia White (Neophasia menapia)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in arid, high-altitude regions

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds are imbibed in water for 2 days and then artificially stratified in a refrigerator for 90 days. Alternatively, seeds can be removed from storage and placed in water at room temperature for 12 - 18 hours, then stratified for 14 - 28 days at temperatures ranging from 2 to 4°C. Some protocols suggest no pre-treatment is necessary.

Establishment: Seeds are typically collected during the fall months. There are regional variations in the protocols, and some suggest no pre-treatment is necessary. The protocols also vary in terms of sowing date, with some suggesting late spring and others suggesting fall.

Source: npn.rngr.net