pinyon

Pinyon, or piñon, is a common name for several pine species in the genus Pinus, native to the southwestern United States and adjacent parts of northern Mexico. The best-known pinyon species are Pinus edulis (Colorado piñon or two-needle piñon), Pinus monophylla (single-leaf piñon), and Pinus quadrifolia (four-needle piñon). These trees form characteristic pinyon–juniper woodlands and are relatively small to medium-sized, often with dense, irregular crowns.

Describing features vary among species. Leaves (needles) occur in bundles called fascicles: two needles per fascicle in P. edulis, one needle in P. monophylla, and four in P. quadrifolia. Needles are typically short to medium-length and evergreen. Cones are small to moderate in size; seeds, known as pinyon nuts or piñon nuts, mature after one and a half to two years and are edible for humans and wildlife.

Ecology and habitat: Pinyons grow on well-drained soils in arid and semi-arid regions, often at elevations between roughly 1,500 and 2,800 meters, though ranges vary by species. They commonly share habitats with junipers and occur in intermountain basins and mountain foothills. Seeds are dispersed by animals, especially birds such as Clark’s nutcracker, as well as by mammals. The trees are adapted to drought and fire regimes but have experienced increased mortality in recent decades due to drought stress and insect outbreaks.

Uses and cultural significance: Pinyon nuts have been a traditional food source for Indigenous peoples for centuries and remain a culinary staple in some regions. The nuts are collected, dried, and eaten raw or roasted and ground into flour or added to dishes. Pinyons also contribute to biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and watershed protection.