Singleleaf Pinyon Pine
Pinus monophylla
Singleleaf Pinyon Pine (Pinus monophylla) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–30 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low water, and prefers full sun.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Pinus monophylla
- Variety / cultivar
- Singleleaf Pinyon
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 15–30 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Irregular / open
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–7
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- low
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Mountain pine beetle in drought-stressed pines
- Pine wilt nematode (esp. Scots and Austrian pine)
- Pine needle scale
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers (less for xeric pines in heavy clay, they're prone to root rot). Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, evergreens transpire year-round. Year 3: taper to twice per month in summer; only during extreme drought thereafter.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Singleleaf Pinyon Pine good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Singleleaf Pinyon Pine is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Singleleaf Pinyon Pine get?
- It matures to about 15–30 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Singleleaf Pinyon Pine need?
- Give Singleleaf Pinyon Pine about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Singleleaf Pinyon Pine grow into?
- Singleleaf Pinyon Pine typically grows into an irregular, picturesque outline that varies from plant to plant. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Singleleaf Pinyon Pine hardy on the Front Range?
- Singleleaf Pinyon Pine is hardy in USDA 3–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Singleleaf Pinyon Pine need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Singleleaf Pinyon Pine grow?
- Singleleaf Pinyon Pine is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Singleleaf Pinyon Pine live?
- Singleleaf Pinyon Pine is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Singleleaf Pinyon Pine native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Singleleaf Pinyon Pine deer-resistant?
- Singleleaf Pinyon Pine is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Singleleaf Pinyon Pine prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Singleleaf Pinyon Pine can be affected by mountain pine beetle in drought-stressed pines and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
