The pinyon pine is not a fast growing tree. It grows slowly and steadily, developing a crown almost as wide as the tree is tall. After some 60 years growth, the tree might be 6 or 7 feet high. Pinyon pines can live long lives, even exceeding 600 years. If you read pinyon pine information, you find that the pinyon pine – a small pine tree that rarely grows above 20 feet tall – is extremely water efficient. It thrives in its native range in the American Southwest on 15 inches or less of annual precipitation. Pinyon pine grows yellow-green needles, about 2 inches long, that remain on the tree for some 8 or 9 years. The cones are small and resemble brown roses. Inside the cones you will find the treasured pine nuts, so it is no surprise that it is also written “pinon,” meaning pine nut in Spanish.
