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Coniferous Trees
Pinus parviflora
Japanese White Pine
Pinaceae
Japan and Korea; montane forests, 300–6,600 feet (90–2,000 m)
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height25–50 feet (7.6–15 m)
Width20–35 feet (6–10.7 m)
Maturity25 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
4 - 8Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancelow
Overview
Pinus parviflora is a medium-sized evergreen pine native to Japan and Korea, grown in cultivation for its layered branching structure and distinctive blue-green foliage. Trees reach 25–50 feet (7.6–15 m) tall and 20–35 feet (6–10.7 m) wide at maturity; growth rate is 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) per year. The crown is broadly pyramidal when young, becoming broad, irregular, and often flat-topped with age, with horizontal to slightly ascending layered branches. Needles are in bundles of five, 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) long, stiff, blue-green with white stomatal lines on the inner surfaces, twisted and held in compact tufts at branch tips. Cones are ovoid, 1.5–3 inches (4–7.5 cm) long, reddish-brown to purple-brown, held erect on branches, persisting for several years after opening. White pine blister rust affects five-needled pines and is prevalent in the Pacific Northwest; proximity to Ribes spp. should be avoided.
Native Range
Pinus parviflora is native to Japan and Korea, growing in montane forests at elevations of 300–6,600 feet (90–2,000 m). It is not native to the Pacific Northwest.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen tree in residential gardens, Japanese-style gardens, and parks, spaced 20–25 feet (6–7.6 m) from adjacent plants. The layered, horizontal branching structure is most effective when given space for the full crown to develop. The erect, persistent cones and winter branching structure provide year-round interest. Mature spread of 20–35 feet (6–10.7 m) requires open siting away from structures.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height25' - 50'
Width/Spread20' - 35'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Colors
Flower Colors
red
Foliage Colors
blue green
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~3 weeksJ
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SpringSummer
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
reddish (male strobili)Foliage Description
blue-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Low
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
20–30 years
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established trees tolerate 3–4 weeks without rain. Well-drained soil is essential; performs poorly in heavy clay or waterlogged conditions. White pine blister rust is the primary disease concern in the Pacific Northwest; remove Ribes plants within 1,000 feet (300 m) to reduce alternate host presence. Candles can be shortened by half in late spring for denser branching, a practice traditional in Japanese bonsai and garden culture. Pine needle scale is an occasional pest; treat with horticultural oil when nymphs are active in late spring.Pruning
No pruning is required for natural form development. Candles can be shortened by half in late spring before needles fully expand to reduce annual extension and increase branching density. Dead branches can be removed at any time. Lower branches can be selectively removed to expose the layered branching structure; this is a common practice in Japanese garden settings.Pruning Schedule
J
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late spring