Japanese Red Pine

(Pinus densiflora)

Japanese Red Pine (Pinus densiflora)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Pinus densiflora, commonly known as Japanese Red Pine, is an evergreen tree native to open woodlands and forest edges in Korea and Japan. It typically grows to a height of 20–35 meters (66–115 feet) and is noted for its irregular, often picturesque form and its flaky, orange-red bark which peels off in thin strips. The needle-like leaves are 8–12 centimeters (3–4+1⁄2 inches) long, arranged in pairs (two per fascicle), and are a mid-green color, lacking the bluish tone found in Scots pine. The cones are small, 4–7 cm (1+1⁄2–3 inches) long, with a distinctive chestnut-brown color when mature. Japanese Red Pine is particularly valued for its aesthetic qualities, including its bark and the vibrant green of its needles, which can turn yellowish in winter but this is considered normal and not a sign of poor health.

This species is often used in ornamental plantings, and its tolerance of poor soils and resistance to pollution make it suitable for urban environments. It is also used in bonsai and traditional Japanese gardens. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade and requires well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is adaptable to different soil types but does best with slow or medium drainage. Japanese Red Pine has several popular cultivars that vary in size and form, suitable for different landscape uses. Potential problems include pine wilt disease and pine sawfly infestations. It is not typically invasive outside its native range but should be monitored to ensure it does not outcompete local species.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 40-60 feet
  • Width: 15-25 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands and forest edges

Other Names

Common Names: Japanese Pine , Korean Red Pine , Tanyosho Pine , Japanese Umbrella Pine , Japanische Rotkiefer , Pin Rouge Du Japon , Pino Rosso Del Giappone , Japansk Tall , Aka-Matsu , Chi Song

Scientific Names: Pinus densiflora , Pinus densiflora f. umbraculifera , Pinus densiflora var. umbraculifera , Pinus densiflora var. pendula , Pinus densiflora f. pendula , Pinus densiflora var. densiflora , Pinus sylvestris var. sylvestriformis , Pinus funebris , Pinus scopifera , Pinus densiflora f. aurea

GBIF Accepted Name: Pinus densiflora Siebold & Zucc.