Highly popular along the seacoast in Japan, Pinus thunbergii (Japanese Black Pine) is a glorious evergreen coniferous tree of usually shrubby habit, adorned with a curved trunk and wide-spreading branches that form a dense, dome-shaped or flattened crown. The lustrous, dark green, sharply pointed needles are borne in pairs. The interesting characteristic of this species is its silky white, candle-like buds, which contrast nicely with the dark green foliage. The buff to brown-gray cones are present in abundance, adding further interest. The bark is dark gray or purple-gray, scaly, and longitudinally fissured. A very beautiful pine that makes a terrific specimen tree. Popular as a bonsai plant and in Asian gardens.

• Grows up to 20-60 ft. tall (6-18 m) and 12-20 ft. wide (3.6-6 m).
• Performs best in full sun in fertile, well-drained soils. Tolerates some afternoon shade, particularly in hot summer climates. Drought and salt tolerant.
• Easy to grow, easy to care for and rarely browsed by deer.
• No pruning required.
• Native to Japan, Korea.