Sciadopitys verticillata, Japanese umbrella pine
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Coniferous Trees

Sciadopitys verticillata

Japanese umbrella pine

Sciadopityaceae

Central Honshu, Japan; montane forests at 600–4,900 feet (180–1,500 m)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height25–40 feet (7.6–12 m)
Width15–20 feet (4.6–6 m)
Maturity40 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 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
Maintenancevery low

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

Sciadopitys verticillata is identified by its unique whorled cladodes (flattened fused stems, not true needles), 2–5 inches (5–12.5 cm) long, dark glossy green above with pale stomatal grooves below, arranged in whorls of 20–30 at branch tips resembling the ribs of a closed umbrella. No other conifer in cultivation has this structure. The tiered, whorled branching pattern and reddish-brown peeling bark are additional consistent features.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height25' - 40'
Width/Spread15' - 20'

Reaches mature size in approximately 40 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow green

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
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 below

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loampeat
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

30–50 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established plants prefer consistent moisture and do not tolerate prolonged drought. Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic, humus-rich soils; performs poorly in heavy clay or alkaline substrates. Partial shade in youth reduces stress; established trees grow well in full sun in Pacific Northwest conditions. The very slow growth rate of 3–6 inches (7.5–15 cm) per year makes this plant unsuitable when rapid results are needed. No significant pest or disease problems in Pacific Northwest conditions. Not tolerant of air pollution; performs poorly in heavily urban sites.

Pruning

No pruning is required. The tiered whorled form develops naturally without intervention. Dead branches can be removed at any time. Pruning into old wood is counterproductive given the very slow regrowth rate. Allow full development of the natural tiered form without competing leaders.

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic
Sciadopitys verticillata (Japanese umbrella pine) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef