Parry Piñon, Parry's Pinyon Pine, Four-leaved Pinyon

Pinus quadrifolia

Physical Characteristics

Pinus quadrifolia is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Seed - raw or cooked[1, 81, 161]. An important food crop for the Indians of Baja California[82, 183], the oil-rich seed has a mild resinous flavour and a pleasant soft texture. A good size, up to 16mm long[200]. The seed contains about 11% protein, 37% fat, 44% carbohydrate[183]. A vanillin flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins that are released from the pulpwood[200].

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Diuretic Pectoral Poultice Rubefacient Vermifuge Vulnerary The turpentine obtained from the resin of all pine trees is antiseptic, diuretic, rubefacient and vermifuge[4]. It is a valuable remedy used internally in the treatment of kidney and bladder complaints and is used both internally and as a rub and steam bath in the treatment of rheumatic affections[4]. It is also very beneficial to the respiratory system and so is useful in treating diseases of the mucous membranes and respiratory complaints such as coughs, colds, influenza and TB[4]. Externally it is a very beneficial treatment for a variety of skin complaints, wounds, sores, burns, boils etc and is used in the form of liniment plasters, poultices, herbal steam baths and inhalers[4].

Known Hazards

The wood, sawdust and resins from various species of pine can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[222].