P. edulis is found between 1500-2000m (4900-6500ft) in semi-arid climates, and are found in most of the South-western portion of the United States and the desert plateau of Mexico. The trees tend to be about 21m (about 68 feet) tall, with shallow grooves which are unevenly patterned over the reddish-brown trunk. A characteristic of this tree are the 2.5 -5cm (1-2 in) long double needles. One noticeable feature of this pine is the occurrence of branches near the base of the trunk. The seed cones, which mature in about 2 years, are oval and produce edible seeds; pollen cones (which are monoecious) are more elliptical and a yellowy brown rather than the red-brown of matured seeded cones. A characteristic of this tree are the 2.5 -5cm (1-2 in) long double needles.
P. edulis can be found spread over the Southwest, they are often found in what are referred to as Pinyon-Juniper woodlands. Matured Pinyon pines occur more dominantly than Junipers at higher elevations. This could be due to a change in maturation needs, or that the pines require slightly more moisture than their common neighbor. This seems to be because it has not developed the same drought resistance, as measured by its cavitation rate, as compared to the Utah Juniper. While the Pinyon Pine is not, overall, an endangered species, the seedlings are very susceptible to trampling, and in areas where lack of establishment is prolonged by heavy foot-traffic, long term regeneration can be threatened. Since these trees provide a rich source of protein, they are an essential species in the ecosystems they inhabit.