Single-Leaf Pinyon Pine

The single-leaf pinyon pine, a resident of the high valleys and mountaintops, was an important food source for the Cahuilla and other native Americans.

It remains vital to birds and ground animals.

The photograph below was taken in early July when the tiny cones were starting to ripen and mature. In August the cones turn brown, and birds and animals are able to extract their pine nuts. Similarly, we humans go to our markets to buy pignolas. 

This tree is found in pinyon-juniper woodlands.