Japanese Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys verticillata)
Identifying Features
Plant Family: Sciadopityaceae
Native Range: Japan
Leaf: evergreen, needles grouped into umbrella-like whorls, needles soft, flat, dark green and glossy on upper side
Twig and Bud: brown, flexible, striated stems
Flower, Fruit and Seed: cones 2-4 inches long, 1-2 inches wide
Bark: thin, orange-brown, can exfoliate in strips
Shape and Mature Height: variable shape, but mostly pyramidal, can grow up to 20-30 feet tall, 15-20 wide
Garden Value and Considerations
Japanese umbrella pine prefers rich, moist, well-drained, acid soils. Grow in full sun or part shade. Works well as an accent or specimen tree. It grows at a slower rate so it will take many years to reach mature height.
Notes
The whorled leaves photosynthesize, but are not the true leaves. They are extensions of the stem called cladodes. The true leaves are small bumps wrapping the stems. Japanese umbrella pine is the only species of the family Sciadopityaceae. It is declining in its native range, but fossil evidence shows the family was once widespread throughout Europe and Asia. In Japan it is called “koya-maki” and is considered a sacred tree.
