Dwarf Siberian Pine (Pinus pumila)

Family: Pinaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Pinus pumila is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 1. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen in September. 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: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in oil, it has a slightly resinous flavour and a pleasant soft texture. — Seed - raw or cooked.; Rich in oil, it has a slightly resinous flavour and a pleasant soft texture.; A reasonable size, the seed is up to 10mm x 7mm.; A vanillin flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins that are released from the pulpwood.

Habitat & North American Range

Often forms extensive thickets in exposed situations or above the tree line. Mountains at elevations of 1000 - 2300 metres in northern China. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)