The Single - Leaf Piñon , scientifically lie with as Pinus monophylla , is a classifiable member of the pinon true pine group within the Pinaceae kinfolk . This metal money is particularly notable for its singular leaf ; unlike most pine which have phonograph needle in clusters of two or more , Pinus monophylla typically bears its needle singly , making it the world ’s only one - needled pine . Its botanical classification deposit it within the genus * Pinus * , subgenus Strobus , section * Parrya * , and subsection * Cembroides * . This assortment reflect its snug telling to other pinyon pines , although molecular studies have expose complex phyletic relationships , show that P. monophylla is not even a babe specie to P. californiarum as once recollect but rather to P. quadrifolia .

Native to North America , Pinus monophylla thrives in the arid and semi - desiccated part of the westerly United States and northwestern Mexico . Its natural range of mountains extends from southernmost Idaho , through westerly Utah , Arizona , southwesterly New Mexico , and Nevada , to eastern and southern California , and into northern Baja California . This coinage grows at temperate altitudes range from 1,200 to 2,300 time ( 3,900 to 7,500 understructure ) , though it can from time to time be found at lower elevations of 950 meters ( 3,120 feet ) or as high as 2,900 meters ( 9,500 foot ) . It constitute vast open woodlands , often in connexion with junipers in what is cognize as the Pinyon - Juniper woodland plant life community , an ecosystem critical to the part ’s ecology and cultural inheritance .

Historically , Pinus monophylla has been pregnant to human universe , especially Native American tribes of the Great Basin region , who have long relied on its seeds , known as pine nuts , as a staple food source due to their high nutritional time value . These Nut have been harvest for yard of years , with grounds hint that the tree ’s range of a function lucubrate importantly following the end of the Pleistocene . Over time , the exclusive - leaf pinon has face various challenges , including disforestation for mining and farm animal industries , drouth , and pest issues like the dwarf mistletoe ( Arceuthobium divaricatum ) and multiple dirt ball species that affect its vitality .

In terms of USDA Hardiness Zones , Pinus monophylla is stout in zona 6 through 8 . This hardiness range of a function reflects its adaptation to the dry , often coarse mood of its native habitat , where it grows in well - drained , gravelly soils of grim mountain slope or foothills . Its cultivation outside its aboriginal mountain range is feasible in these zone , where it can be grown for its ornamental value , for nuts , or as part of preservation efforts . However , its slow growth charge per unit , requiring up to seven years to reach just 3 feet , means it ’s more suited for long - term landscape gardening undertaking rather than quick shift . The tree diagram ’s ability to thrive in xeric conditions , however , makes it an intriguing option for xeriscaping in appropriate climates .

Single-Leaf Piñon (Pinus monophylla): Characteristics

Foliage

Tree Structure

Reproductive Features

outgrowth and Adaptation

Ecological Role

ethnical Significance

Single-Leaf Piñon (Pinus monophylla): Cultivation

Site Selection

Planting

tearing

Fertilization

Pruning

Pest and Disease Management

Propagation

Harvesting Pine Nuts

challenge