Umbrella-pine or Japanese Umbrella-pine
Sciadopitys verticillata
Sciadopityaceae - Umbrella-pine
Description
Leaves: Two types of leaves; scale-like leaves cover the stem, while 20 to 30, 2" to 5" long flat, linear leaves are clustered at the end of the stem in a whorl; leaves are dark, shiny green and are grooved at the center; evergreen, remain on tree about 3 years; the arrangement of leaves at the end of the stem resembles an umbrella.
Twigs/buds: Green at first, turning orange-brown; hairless; flexible. Buds only produced at the end of the stem.
Flowers/fruit: Monoecious. Fruit is an oblong, upright cone, 2" to 4" long and 1" to 2" wide; green first year, turning brown during the second year; each cone scale bears 5 to 9, 2-winged seeds.
Bark: Thin, fairly smooth; orange to red-brown; exfoliates in long strips. Often hidden by foliage.
Wood: Little information available.
General: Native to Japan. The only species in its family. Formerly included in the Pinaceae or Taxodiaceae families. Canopy shape can be broadly pyramidal, with a straight trunk and horizontal branches. Growth rate is very slow. Somewhat shade intolerant.
Landscape Use: Not widely planted in Utah. Could make a nice accent tree due to its unique texture. One specimen planted on the Utah State University campus appears to be doing well. Zones 5-7.
Cultivars: 'Ann Haddow', 'Aurea', 'Jim Cross', 'Joe Kozey', 'Knirps', 'Ossorio Gold', 'Pendula', 'Pyramidilis Compacta', 'Richie', 'Variegata', 'Wintergreen'.
Characteristics
General
Family | Sciadopityaceae - Umbrella-pine |
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Cultivar Availability | Yes |
Hardiness Zone | 5-7 |
Type | Conifer |
Utah Native | No |
Growth
Growth Rate | Low |
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Mature Height | Medium |
Longevity | High |
Is Good Under Power Lines | No |
Crown Shapes | Pyramidal |
Ornamental
Bark | Yes |
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Fall Color | No |
Flowers | No |
Foliage | Yes |
Fruit | No |
Tolerance
Shade | Medium |
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Salt | Low |
Drought | Medium |
Poor Drainage | Medium |
Alkalinity | Medium |
Transplanting | Medium |