Family: Sciadopityaceae
Common Name: Japanese Umbrella Pine

In appearance this is one of the most attractive of all conifers. Native to Japan, this tree is often planted around temples.

Species

S. verticillata, the only species, is a very tall tree in its native habitat, but in cultivation is very slow growing, rarely achieving more than tall shrub dimensions. Sections of its branches clothed with dense whorls of upward-facing leaves, or needles, alternate with bare sections up to 15 cm (6 in) long and about 1 cm (½ in) thick, covered with brown, flattened scale leaves. The glossy, dark green, soft needles are quite distinctive, being 10-15 cm long 14-6 in), 2-3 mm (1/10 in) wide, blunt-tipped, and very ornamental. This plant's extremely slow growth in its earlier years makes it a perfect tub plant or bonsai subject. In an established garden, in a cool, moist climate, it would be possible to see a specimen of at least 10 m (33 ft) tall and roughly conical in habit, possibly bearing cones.

Cultivation

The Japanese umbrella pine needs a slightly acid to neutral, reasonably fertile and well-drained, yet moist soil. Choose a position in partial shade, or in full sun with shade in the hottest part of the day. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, rooted with bottom heat, or from seed in spring, in a garden frame.

Climate

Zone 6.