Status: Native
Synonyms:
Pinus chihuahuana Engelmann
Pinus leiophylla var. chihuahuana is an uncommon pine tree of middle elevation. It resembles Pinus edulis, but it is generally taller and has three needles per fascicle. It also sprouts shoots from near the bottom of the trunk, making a fall crown of branches at the base of the tree. The past year's cones noticeably remain on the tree the following spring. Small populations of Pinus leiophylla var. chihuahuana intermingle with the usually much larger populations of Pinus edulis.
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Pinus leiophylla var. chihuahuana, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Silver City Range, Bear Mtn., Nov. 11, 2007
Pinus leiophylla var. chihuahuana, three needles per bundle, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Silver City Range, Bear Mtn., Nov. 11, 2007
Pinus leiophylla var. chihuahuana, cone, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Silver City Range, Bear Mtn., Nov. 11, 2007
Pinus leiophylla var. chihuahuana, branches at base of trunk, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City Range, Bear Mtn., February 14, 2010
Pinus leiophylla var. chihuahuana, crown of tree with retained cones, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City Range, Bear Mtn., February 14, 2010
Pinus leiophylla var. chihuahuana, closeup of cone scales, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City Range, Bear Mtn., March 3, 2010
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