Pine, Japanese Red
Pinus densiflora
Pinaceae - Pine
Description
Leaves: Needles in bundles of 2; 3" to 5" long; slender; twisted; bright to dark green; evergreen, remain on tree 3 years.
Twigs/buds: Twigs yellow-green and hairless to slightly downy early on; becoming orangish and hairless over time. Buds reddish-brown; cylindrical, resinous, and large (up to 1/2" in length).
Flowers/fruit: Monoecious. Fruit a woody cone; 1-1/2" to 2" long; dull yellow; remain on tree 2 to 3 years.
Bark: Orange-red when young, peels off in scales; turning grayish near the base when older.
Wood: Tough, strong; used in Korea and Japan for building houses and bridges, for making barrels, and as a fuel; superior to P. thunbergiana; little information available.
General: Native to Japan, Korea, and China. Very cold hardy. Potentially large tree, though slow-growing. Needs average water and soil; shade intolerant.
Landscape Use: Nice large tree. Attractive bark. Irregular and interesting canopy and trunk form. Zones 3-7.
Cultivars: 'Aurea', 'Globosa', 'Heavy Bud', 'Oculus Draconis', 'Pendula', 'Tiny Temple', 'Umbraculifera'.
Characteristics
General
| Family | Pinaceae - Pine |
|---|---|
| Cultivar Availability | Yes |
| Hardiness Zone | 3-7 |
| Type | Conifer |
| Utah Native | No |
Growth
| Growth Rate | Medium |
|---|---|
| Mature Height | High |
| Longevity | High |
| Is Good Under Power Lines | No |
| Crown Shapes | Irregular |
Ornamental
| Bark | Yes |
|---|---|
| Fall Color | No |
| Flowers | No |
| Foliage | No |
| Fruit | No |
Tolerance
| Shade | Low |
|---|---|
| Salt | Medium |
| Drought | Medium |
| Poor Drainage | Low |
| Alkalinity | Medium |
| Transplanting | Medium |