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Pinus densiflora 'Oculus-draconis'

Image of Pinus densiflora 'Oculus-draconis'

James Burghardt

Family

Pinaceae

Botanical Name

Pinus densiflora 'Oculus-draconis'

Plant Common Name

Japanese Red Pine

General Description

Japanese red pine is an evergreen conifer native to eastern Asia and cultivated worldwide. Its cultivar 'Oculus-draconis' is a small, slow-growing, broad-headed tree whose needles are barred with pale yellow. It was introduced to Western gardens in the late nineteenth century.

Occuring in bundles of two, the twisted green needles of this evergreen pine have creamy yellow banding that fades in winter. The needles cluster at the tips of twigs that are held on horizontal or slightly ascending branches, forming a spreading, open, irregular crown. The lower branches are often shed, exposing the scaly, reddish-brown trunk (plants are often multi-trunked). In spring, tiny male cones and relatively small female cones appear near the branch tips. The yellowish brown female cones persist for several years before dropping.

This cold-hardy pine does well in full sun and well-drained soil. It fares poorly in hot harsh climates. Its colorful foliage suits it for use as a small specimen tree. It is also ideal for bonsai.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    7 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 7

  • Sunset Zone

    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17

  • Plant Type

    Needled or Scaled Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    20'-40' / 6.1m - 12.2m

  • Width

    15'-30' / 4.6m - 9.1m

  • Native To

    Asia, Japan, Korea

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Spreading

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    None

  • Fruit Color

    Sandy Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Light Yellow

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Striped/Striated

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Light Yellow

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Striped/Striated

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Light Yellow

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Striped/Striated

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Bark Color

    Orange Red, Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Platy

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No