Content Detail

Japanese umbrella-pine is not a true pine, but it is a needled evergreen. This tree is marginally hardy in northern Illinois and should be planted in a protected site. Winter winds can be a problem, so avoid windy sites.

  • Family (English) Umbrella-pine
  • Family (botanic) Sciadopityaceae
  • Planting site Residential and parks
  • Tree or plant type Tree
  • Foliage Evergreen (foliage year-round)
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Small tree (15-25 feet), Medium tree (25-40 feet)
  • Mature height 20-30 feet
  • Mature width 15-20 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
  • Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances clay soil, Road salt, Wet sites
  • Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, early spring, mid spring, late spring, early summer, midsummer, late summer, early fall, mid fall, late fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
  • Shape or form Pyramidal
  • Growth rate Slow
  • Transplants well Yes
  • Planting considerations May be difficult to find in nurseries
  • Has cultivars Yes

Native geographic location and habitat:

Japanese umbrella-pine is native to Japan.

Bark color and texture:

Bark is exfoliating (peeling) and reddish-brown in color.

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:

Evergreen needles are dark green and arranged in clusters that mimic the spokes of an umbrella.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size:

Flowers are inconspicuous and not ornamentally important.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:

This tree has upright, green, oval cones maturing to brown, which can be up to 4 inches tall.

Plant care:

The Japanese umbrella-pine requires consistently moist soil and protection from wind. Plant in protected sites.

List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:

No serious problems.

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