Singleleaf Pinyon
Pinus monophylla
- Native to:
- United States
Wikimedia: Jacob Gibson
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus monophylla
- USDA Symbol:
- PIMO
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Food Forest:
- Contains edible parts
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
Eucosma bobana, Rhyacionia monophylliana, Velda pinemoth (Coloradia velda)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Thick bark provides some fire resistance; serotinous cones not typical but seeds survive low-severity fires.
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:
- native to arid, mountainous regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 1-3 months to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Imbibe seeds by soaking in water at room temperature for 36-48 hours, flush with clean water every 4-8 hours. Stratify seeds in wetted vermiculite at 1–5°C for 50-90 days.
Establishment: Seeds are wild collected during fall months. They are kept separated according to site, elevation and source. The protocols slightly differ in the depth of planting and the time of sowing seeds.
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)