Colorado pinyon

Pinus edulis Engelm.

Family: Pinaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

The sources we use do not describe a hazard to people.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA index has no Pinus edulis page; other pine pages (if any) are not a verdict for this species. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 6a-8b per NC State Plant Toolbox; USDA 4-8 per Utah State Extension
Light: Full sun per NC State; shade intolerant per Utah State.
Water needs: low low is a plain-language reading of NC State (resistant to drought and dry soil; good drainage only) and Utah State (grows on dry sites). Utah State says pinyons in housing developments often do poorly from over-watering and root damage. A humid-climate yard is a poor match; finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: NC State: 10-20 ft tall and 12-36 ft wide; available space more than 60 ft

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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