California Singleleaf Pinyon (Pinus californiarum)

Family: Pinaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Pinus californiarum is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich seed has a delicious flavour with a slight taste of resin. — Seed - raw or cooked.; The fairly large seed is about 12mm long.; The oil-rich seed has a delicious flavour with a slight taste of resin.; A vanillin flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins that are released from the pulpwood.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry low-montane or foothill pinyon-juniper woodland at elevations of 1000 - 2300 metres. (Zone 8)