Taxonomy

Division:

Coniferophyta | - Conifers

Family:

Pinaceae

Genus:

Pinus

Species:

Pinus quadrifolia

USDA Symbol:

PIQU

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

1200 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Mature trees can survive low-intensity ground fires due to thick bark. Seedlings and saplings are fire-sensitive.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Native to arid regions; tolerates drought

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Seeds are large and edible (pinyon nuts). Cold stratification improves germination rates but some seeds may germinate without treatment.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI