Pinus edulis Family: Pinaceae – Pine Family Pinus edulis is the only species from this family represented at Arches National Park. Evergreen tree, conifer 16.5' to 66' (5 to 20 m) tall; scaly bark Leaves: Leaves spirally arranged; needles in groups of 2; 0.6” to 2” (1.5 to 5 cm) long Flowers: conifer (see cone description under fruits) Pollinators: wind; not self-fertile Fruits: cones; male (staminate) cones, egg-shaped to elongate, 0.12” to 0.24” (3 to 6 mm) long; female (ovulate) cones yellowish-brown to brown, resinous, 0.8” to 2” (2 to 5 cm) long Blooms in Arches National Park: May, June Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities Location seen: Windows primitive trail, Devils Garden Other: The genus name, “Pinus”, is Latin for "pine" and the species name, “edulis”, means “edible” referring to the highly nutritive seeds. |
Last updated: January 20, 2023