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Pinus thunbergii (Japanese Black Pine)

Japanese Black Pine, Green Pine, Thunberg Pine

Pinus thunbergii, Japanese Black Pine, Green Pine, Thunberg Pine, Evergreen Conifer, Evergreen Shrub, Evergreen Tree,
Pinus thunbergii, Japanese Black Pine, Green Pine, Thunberg Pine, Evergreen Conifer, Evergreen Shrub, Evergreen Tree,

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.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Pinaceae
Genus Pinus
Common names Pine, Japanese Black Pine
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 20' - 60'
(6.1m - 18.3m)
Spread 12' - 20'
(3.7m - 6.1m)
Spacing 240" (6.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Japanese Garden, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Pinus eldarica (Afghan Pine)
Pinus edulis (Pinyon Pine)
Pinus strobus ‘Contorta’ (Eastern White Pine)
Pinus sabiniana (California Foothill Pine)
Pinus pungens (Table Mountain Pine)
Pinus rigida (Pitch Pine)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Pinaceae
Genus Pinus
Common names Pine, Japanese Black Pine
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 20' - 60'
(6.1m - 18.3m)
Spread 12' - 20'
(3.7m - 6.1m)
Spacing 240" (6.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Japanese Garden, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Pinus (Pine)
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Compare Now

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