Pine Trees Native to Arizona

Pine trees are coniferous evergreens. They produce seed-bearing cones and retain foliage through winter. Pine trees native to Arizona maintain a critical role in the ecosystem as source of food and shelter, according to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Pine trees function as specimens and windbreaks in the home garden. Some species are suited for rock gardens and mixed borders. Typically, young pine trees form individual needles. Mature pine trees produce needles in bundles.

Ponderosa pine, or Pinus ponderosa, forms the largest contiguous stand in North America in northern Arizona. The tree grows up to 125 feet tall and bears three long needles per bundle. Subspecies in the southern part of the state bear five needles per bundle. Mature trees develop an orange-brown bark that splits to reveal a black lining underneath. The juvenile pine cone is blue and has a matte-like texture at maturity.

Colorado pinyon, or Pinus edulis, is the most common pinyon species in Arizona. Colorado pinyon is smaller than the average Arizona pine tree and achieves a height of 35 feet at maturity. The tree develops light green foliage with two stout needles per bundle. The bark develops a reddish-brown color. The pine cone is yellow-brown and shaped like an egg. The Colorado pinyon produces edible seed called a pinyon nut or a pine nut.

Arizona pine, or Pinus edulis, is closely related to Ponderosa pine. The tree grows up to 115 feet with a massive trunk. The dark brown juvenile bark develops a cinnamon-brown color and scale-like texture at maturity. The dark green foliage forms three to five needles per bundle. The red brown or yellow brown cone is single or arranged in pairs or whorls of three.

Border pinyon, or Pinus discolor, grows primarily in southeastern Arizona. The tree reaches 20 to 30 feet tall at maturity. The brown bark becomes rough with age. The dull green foliage develops a silvery coating. The branches bear three long needles per bundle. The cone is yellow or red-brown and mature in fall of the second year after planting. Border pinyon produces an edible nut. It emits an odorous pine smell.