Pinus thunbergii

The Japanese black pine is an evergreen, conifer tree that grows 20 to 60 feet tall and 12 to 20 feet wide. It has a flat-topped pyramidal form with no prominent central leader. As it ages, it will be irregular and asymmetrical, with a spreading crown with pendulous branches. It has a shrubby habit and curved trunk. The needles are dark green, paired, and finely pointed. The cones are brownish-gray and abundant. This specimen is also noted for its silky, whitish, candle-like terminal buds. The contrast with the foliage gives the tree an interesting look. Young foliage candles are upright. The bark is black-gray, furrowed, and scaly. 

This tree is native to Japan and Korea and may occur in groves, along the seacoast, or on rocky cliffs. 

The genus name, Pinus, is the Latin name for pine. The epithet, thunbergii, is named in honor of Carl Peter Thunberg, a Swedish physician, and botanist who introduced many plants from Japan.

The Japanese black pine prefers full sun and moist, well-drained, and fertile soils. It is tolerant of sand, heat, drought, and salt. This tree has a medium growth rate and transplants easily. It is easy to grow and requires very little maintenance. Pruning is not required.

This plant is commonly misidentified as P. nigra in trade, a species easily distinguished by a central leader and spring candles.

The Japanese black pine is utilized in coastal areas and seashore plantings for reclaiming dunes. It is popular as a bonsai plant, and it may also be used in the home landscape in Cottage or Asian Gardens. It is a dense plant that serves as a great screening.

Seasons of Interest:

Foliage:  Year-round     Fruits:  Fall and Winter

Quick ID Hints:

• No central leader, flat-topped, irregularly shaped, curved trunk
• paired dark green needles, finely pointed,
• silky, whitish, candle-like terminal buds
• abundant brownish-gray cones

Insect, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  The Japanese black pine is usually problem-free when the tree is young. As the tree reaches 20 years of age, fungal diseases can occur. Diplodia tip blight, rusts, cankers, blight, and leaf cast are some issues affecting this plant's health.  Some pests include pinewood nematodes, caterpillars, sawflies, scale, mealybugs, borers, miners, and weevils.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University