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Sciadopitys verticillata
Japanese umbrella pine
Central Honshu, Japan; montane forests at 600–4,900 feet (180–1,500 m)Learn more
Overview
Sciadopitys verticillata is a slow-growing evergreen conifer and the sole living member of the family Sciadopityaceae, with no close living relatives. Trees reach 25–40 feet (7.6–12 m) tall and 15–20 feet (4.6–6 m) wide in cultivation over many decades; growth rate is 3–6 inches (7.5–15 cm) per year. The crown is narrowly to broadly pyramidal with whorled, tiered branches. The foliage is unlike any other conifer: what appears to be needles are paired, fused, flattened stems (cladodes), 2–5 inches (5–12.5 cm) long, arranged in whorls of 20–30 at branch tips, resembling the ribs of an open umbrella. Cladodes are dark, glossy green above with two pale stomatal grooves below. True leaves are small, scale-like, and appressed to the stem — visible only on close inspection. Cones are ovoid, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, ripening from green to brown over two seasons. Bark is reddish-brown, peeling in strips. The very slow growth rate means this plant takes many decades to reach mature dimensions; young plants in commerce are typically 2–5 years old.
Native Range
Sciadopitys verticillata is native to Japan, growing in montane forests of central Honshu at elevations of 600–4,900 feet (180–1,500 m). It is not native to the Pacific Northwest. The genus has an extensive fossil record in the Northern Hemisphere but S. verticillata is the only surviving species.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen tree in residential gardens, conifer collections, and Japanese-style gardens, spaced 15–20 feet (4.6–6 m) from adjacent plants. The unique whorled cladode structure is unlike any other conifer and provides strong botanical interest. Plants will remain shrub-sized for 10–20 years in cultivation; plan siting for ultimate dimensions of 25–40 feet (7.6–12 m). The glossy dark cladodes are effective year-round, with winter interest from the tiered branching silhouette.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height25' - 40'
Width/Spread15' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 40 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Male strobili are small, in dense clusters at branch tips, releasing pollen in March–April. Female cones are ovoid, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, green in the first year, ripening to woody brown in the second season. Cone production begins at 15–20 years or more. Cones persist on the tree for an extended period after opening.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow-green (male strobili)Foliage Description
dark glossy green above, pale belowGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 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