Jesse Saylor
Family
Pinaceae
Botanical Name
Pinus densiflora
Plant Common Name
Japanese Red Pine, Tanyosho Pine
General Description
The broad-spreading, picturesque habit and handsome bark of this East Asian native make it a favorite for gardens and bonsai worldwide. A fast-growing, medium to large tree in the wild, it has given rise to numerous ornamental cultivars of various coloration and size.
The twisted, bright green to bluish green needles of this pine occur in bundles of two. They cluster at the tips of twigs that are held on long, horizontal, often sinuous branches. The lower branches are usually shed, exposing the scaly, reddish-brown trunk (trees are often multi-trunked). In spring, tiny male cones and relatively small female cones appear near the branch tips. The yellowish tan 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 striking, often umbrella-like habit suits it for use as a specimen plant. Dwarf selections make ideal subjects for smaller gardens or bonsai.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 7
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Sunset Zone
H1, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Needled or Scaled Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
50'-80' / 15.2m - 24.4m
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Width
30'-50' / 9.1m - 15.2m
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Native To
Eastern Asia, Japan, Korea
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Fruit Color
Tan, Sandy Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Blue Green
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Bark Color
Orange Red, Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
Yes
