1 / 3
Coniferous Trees
Pinus thunbergii
Japanese Black Pine
Pinaceae
Coastal Japan and Korea; sea level to 2,300 feet (700 m)
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height20–60 feet (6–18 m)
Width20–35 feet (6–10.7 m)
Maturity20 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
5 - 9Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancemoderate
Overview
Pinus thunbergii is a medium to large evergreen pine native to coastal Japan and Korea, widely used in Japanese garden design and valued for salt and wind tolerance. Trees reach 20–60 feet (6–18 m) tall and 20–35 feet (6–10.7 m) wide in cultivation; growth rate is 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) per year when young, slowing with age. The crown is broadly irregular and asymmetrical, often sculpted by wind into picturesque shapes in exposed coastal sites. Needles are in bundles of two, 3–4.5 inches (7.5–11.5 cm) long, stiff, sharp-pointed, dark green, held in dense tufts at branch tips. The winter buds are white and conspicuous, a consistent identifying feature throughout the year. Bark is dark gray to black, deeply furrowed and plated. Cones are ovoid, 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) long, light brown. Pine wilt nematode, transmitted by pine sawyer beetles, can cause rapid death; in Pacific Northwest conditions this is less prevalent than in Japan. Diplodia tip blight is a secondary concern.
Native Range
Pinus thunbergii is native to the coastal regions of Japan and Korea, growing at elevations from sea level to 2,300 feet (700 m). It is not native to the Pacific Northwest.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen tree in Japanese-style gardens, coastal landscapes, and parks, spaced 20–25 feet (6–7.6 m) from adjacent plants. Exceptional salt and wind tolerance makes it suitable for coastal gardens where few ornamental trees persist. The asymmetrical, irregular crown form is most effective when given open space to develop. The white winter buds provide identification interest through the dormant season.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 60'
Width/Spread20' - 35'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Colors
Flower Colors
yellow
Foliage Colors
dark green
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~3 weeksJ
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow (male strobili)Foliage Description
dark 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 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandrocky
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Low
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
15–25 years
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established trees tolerate extended dry periods. Tolerates sandy, rocky, and alkaline soils; exceptionally tolerant of salt spray, making it suitable for coastal sites where other pines fail. Pine wilt nematode causes rapid wilting and death; less prevalent in the Pacific Northwest than in Japan. Diplodia tip blight can brown shoot tips in wet spring conditions. Candles can be shortened or removed entirely in late spring to slow growth and increase branching density — a practice more maintenance-intensive than for most pines.Pruning
Candles can be shortened by half or removed entirely in late spring before needles expand; this traditional Japanese garden technique increases branching density and controls size. Autumn needle pulling — removing older needles by hand — improves air circulation and is practiced in intensive Japanese garden management. Dead branches can be removed at any time. Lower branches can be removed to expose the trunk without harming the tree.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer