Plant of the Month (December 1997)

by Kerry Krumrine, co-owner of J & K Growers, Inc. and member of the Mesilla Valley Landscape Association.

Pinon Pine, or Pinus edulis

The Plant of the Month chosen by the Mesilla Valley Landscape Association for the month of December is Pinon Pine, or Pinus edulis. The primary reason for choosing the Pinon Pine for December's plant of the month was for its obvious usefulness as a live Christmas tree. Its rigid branches and strong pine scent make it an excellent choice for this purpose.

The Pinon Pine is native to the desert southwest's higher elevations, from 4,000 to 7,000 feet. You will find this tree growing above rocky arroyos in the mountain foothills. Although the greater Las Cruces area is a bit below the 4000 foot mark, Pinon Pines are thriving around Las Cruces. In mature landscapes around town, the Pinon Pine looks best where they are planted surrounded by companion plants. These plants seem to act as a buffer perhaps to the very warm summer afternoons. Companion plants such as Yucca, Juniper, Gambel Oak, and Sumac, and under plantings of native wildflowers complement and protect the Pinon Pine. This pine is very hardy though, and can tolerate extreme cold and heat, as well as the strong winds. It grows up to 6" a year, and reaches a mature size of 30' tall and 20' feet wide. The live Christmas trees sold at the local nurseries are usually shaped for that purpose, but in the wild and in your garden can grow into quite interesting and irregular shapes when not pruned. Due to this "individuality", this tree makes a beautiful specimen tree in the garden, as a tree that can stand alone.

If you purchase a Pinon Pine as a Christmas tree, look for a nicely rooted tree in a 20 gallon can. These trees are not very inexpensive, but well worth the investment. Enjoy the tree twice, once indoors for the holidays, and second, for a life time growing in your yard. To plant your live Christmas tree, dig a hole about twice the size of the root ball. Plant the tree with a mix of the natural soil and soil amendment. Water in well, making sure that there are no air pockets left around the roots. Monthly deep watering throughout the year will promote growth, but be careful not to overwater during the colder winter months.

The pine nuts produced by the Pinon Pine are edible, and will attract a myriad of wild life to your garden. Among these feasting visitors look for porcupines, quail, and many other types of birds.

You can find Pinon Pines at your local nurseries now. Enjoy the holidays!

Look for our upcoming article on the Mesilla Valley Landscape Association's 1998 "Xericscape Awards". Members of the Mesilla Valley Landscape Association include: Mountain Gardens Landscaping, High Mesa Composters, The Greenhouse Nursery, The Green Thumb Nursery, Mesilla Valley Landscaping, J & K Growers, Inc., & Mallscapes. All businesses in the "green industry" are welcome. For more information please contact Kerry at 521-4698.