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Pinus leiophylla

Pinus leiophylla Schiede & Deppe

Chihuahuan Pine, Chihuahua Pine

Pinaceae (Pine Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: PILE

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Pine with trunk bearing short, leafy twigs, very thick bark, and thin, open, spreading crown of upturned branches.

Unlike most pines, this species often produces new shoots or sprouts from cut stumps. The cones mature in 3 growing seasons, instead of the usual 2; cones in 3 stages of development, as well as many old, open cones, are usually present. Trees native to the United States and others in northwestern Mexico are placed in a separate variety (var. chihuahuana [Engelm.] Shaw), characterized by 3 stout needles in a bundle. The typical variety (var. leiophylla), of wider distribution in Mexico, has 5 slender needles in a bundle.