Sciadopitys verticillata

The Japanese Umbrella Pine is an iconic, slow-growing evergreen conifer endemic to Japan. Known as Koyamaki in its native region, it is a “living fossil” being the sole living member of the ancient plant family Sciadopityaceae. The oldest fossils found of Japanese Umbrella Pine also come from Japan and originate from the Late Cretaceous Period. 

These majestic trees were highly regarded in antiquity and were one of the “Kiso Goboku” or Five Sacred Trees of Kiso. Japanese Umbrella Pines and four other tree species were protected from felling for timber beginning in the Feudal Era of Japan and have since held cultural and religious significance throughout the nation.

Trees are highly symmetrical, having an upright, conical form and unusual needle-like leaves held in tight bundles at the ends of bare branches that emerge from the trunk in whorls. Plants can grow to reach over seventy feet in height, but are very slow to do so and are more often seen in gardens below forty feet high. Japanese Umbrella Pines prefer cool, moist conditions and are naturally found in mountainous areas. They prefer well-draining, slightly acid soils, full sun, and regular water.

Cold hardy to USDA Zone 5a or to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

For sale are packets of 5 seeds