Home Pine nut Pinon, Pignolia Pinaceae Pinus edulis Engelm. P. quadrifolia Parl. Magness et al. The seeds of these species of Pinus are gathered from native trees for food by the Indians in southwestern U.S., and occasionally appear in markets. The trees are up to 40 feet, spreading, with stout branches, and with short needles not over 1.5 inches long.
Cones are near globose or broad ovate, compact until mature.
Seeds are about 0.5 inch long, elongated and angular. They are eaten directly, also used in confections under the name pignolia. The trees are not in cultivation.