American pinon

Pinus edulis, also referred to as Colorado pinyon or two-needle piñon, is a member of the pine family (Pinaceae). It is a small to medium-sized tree that grows in arid and semi-arid regions of the Southwestern United States. The species is characterized by its two needles per fascicle and is valued for its edible seeds, known as pine nuts. The tree has a wide distribution across several states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. First described in 1848 by Engelm, it is an important ecological and economic resource in its native range.