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Plant Details

California Pine

Pinus californiarum

Also called: California Desert Piñon | Singleleaf Piñon

The California Pine is a rugged, drought-defying conifer native to the arid mountains and deserts of Southern California. Often seen with a picturesque, twisted trunk and a low-branching crown, it is famously known as the world's only one-needled pine. This slow-growing evergreen produces large, oil-rich seeds that have been a vital food source for Indigenous peoples like the Kumeyaay and Cahuilla for centuries. It is a resilient survivor, thriving in hot, dry environments where few other trees can stand their ground.

Winter interestHeat tolerantCold tolerantFragrantCalifornia nativeDeer resistantBeginner friendlyDrought tolerantLikely to reseedEdible
Pinus californiarum illustration
No image available

Plant Snapshot

TypeTree | Woody | Perennial | Evergreen
Growth habitUpright
Use categoriesOrnamental
SettingOutdoor
Growth rateSlow
Mature size classSmall
Bloom colorNot listed yet.
Bloom seasonNot listed yet.
HardinessZones 8a-10a
Size120-360 in tall | 120-300 in wide
Life expectancy150 years
Size noteTypically reaches 10-30 feet, though exceptional specimens can have a wider crown spread than height.
Spacing120-240 in apart
Spacing noteNeeds ample space for root expansion in arid environments.

Growth Conditions

LightFull Sun
WaterVery Low
SoilLean | Rocky | Sandy
DrainageWell-Drained
Leaf notesDark green to gray-green, with needles occurring singly (rarely in pairs).
Pruning noteMinimal pruning required; remove dead or diseased wood in late winter when bark beetles are less active.
Feeding noteRarely requires fertilizer; can tolerate very poor, nutrient-deficient soils.
Propagation notePropagated via seeds (pine nuts). Seeds are wingless and rely on birds like the Pinyon Jay for dispersal.

Seasonal Timing

Fruit timing

Late summer

Large, oily pine nuts mature and are ready for harvest.

Seasonal rest

Winter

Tree enters a period of slow activity during the cold months.

Cautions

Pests

Pine Bark Beetles

Can attack stressed trees during extreme drought.

Pitch Moths

Causes resinous wounds on the trunk.

Pet safetyNon-toxic to dogs and cats, though sap can be sticky and irritating.
Allergy noteProduces heavy loads of wind-borne pollen in spring.
Health noteNot listed yet.

Sources

Places that sell it

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