Edible Parts: Inner bark  Seed
Edible Uses: Condiment

Seed - the oily seed kernel is eaten raw, roasted, ground into a powder for making bread, cakes etc or made into a nut butter[1, 2, 11, 34, 62, 63, 92, 94, 183]. An excellent flavour[227]. A good size, the seeds are up to 15mm long[200]. Said to be the highest in protein and lowest in starch of all the piñons[183]. The seed contains about 14.6% protein, 62% fat. 17.3% carbohydrate[85]. This species provides a major source of seeds for sale in Mexico[229]. Inner bark - only used in times of dire need[85]. There are no more details but inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereals when making bread. A vanillin flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins that are released from the pulpwood[200].

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Poultice

The gum exuding from damaged areas of the tree is used to treat sore throats[92, 117]. 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].

Adhesive  Dye  Herbicide  Pitch  Wood

Agroforestry uses: Pines are valuable in agroforestry for timber production, erosion control, and as windbreaks. They can also improve soil quality and provide a habitat for wildlife. Some species produce edible pine nuts, contributing to biodiversity and food sources. Landscape Uses: Pest tolerant, Screen, Specimen. A tan or green dye is obtained from the needles[168]. The needles contain a substance called terpene, this is released when rain washes over the needles and it harms the germination of some plants, including wheat[201]. A gum pitch is used as a glue for waterproofing and repairing pottery[117, 227]. Oleo-resins are present in the tissues of all species of pines, but these are often not present in sufficient quantity to make their extraction economically worthwhile[64]. The resins are obtained by tapping the trunk, or by destructive distillation of the wood[4, 64]. In general, trees from warmer areas of distribution give the higher yields[64]. Turpentine consists of an average of 20% of the oleo-resin[64] and is separated by distillation[4, 64]. Turpentine has a wide range of uses including as a solvent for waxes etc, for making varnish, medicinal etc[4]. Rosin is the substance left after turpentine is removed. This is used by violinists on their bows and also in making sealing wax, varnish etc[4]. Pitch can also be obtained from the resin and is used for waterproofing, as a wood preservative etc. Wood - soft, light, close-grained[82]. Somewhat fragrant when burnt[227]. Used for fuel and posts, but rarely for lumber[227]. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: No – Pines produce pollen but are wind-pollinated rather than insect-pollinated, so they do not attract nectar-seeking pollinators like bees or butterflies. 2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): Yes – Pine seeds (pine nuts) are an important food source for birds, mammals, and other wildlife. The dense foliage and evergreen nature of many pine species offer shelter, nesting, and roosting sites for birds and small mammals. Leaf litter from pines contributes to the habitat for various organisms. 3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): Yes – The bark, leaf litter (pine needles), and fallen branches provide overwintering and shelter for many invertebrates. The structure of pine forests also offers cover for various species. 4. Pest Confuser (Smell): Yes – The resinous, aromatic scent of pine trees may have some pest-repellent properties, though it is not typically classified as a pest confuser in the way some plants with strong aromatic oils are.

Special Uses

Carbon Farming  Food Forest