Botanical Name: Pinus thunbergii
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Common Name: Japanese Black Pine  
Plant photo of: Pinus thunbergii
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  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree, Conifer

 

Height Range

12-25', 25-40', 40-60'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Green, White

 

Bark Color

Grey

 

Fruit Color

Brown

 

Fruit Season

Fall

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, High

 

Growth Rate

Moderate, Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Japanese, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Silhouette, Specimen, Unusual Shape

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Foundation

 

Special Uses

Screen

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Acacia/George/Mullany

  • Description

  • Notes

Japanese black pine is noted for its whitish terminal buds that provide interesting contrast with its dark green foliage. Though growing larger in optimum conditions, typically it is more often seen in the 20 to 60 feet tall and 12 to 20 feet wide. It is upright and rounded, becoming broad with age. Young foliage candles are upright. Oval, brown cones are less than 3 inches long. As the tree ages, bark turns dark purplish-gray and fissures into plates. Synonymous with P. thunbergiana.
Grow in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates some light afternoon shade and some drought. Salt tolerant.