Sciadopitys verticillata (Umbrella Pine)

Sciadopitys verticillata (Umbrella Pine) Details

Commonly known as the Umbrella Pine, this is a conifer native to Japan and features quite unusual foliage. This evergreen tree produces whorls of short, dark green, needle-like foliage that resemble the ribs of an umbrella. New foliage is a lighter green and darkens with age. Small and oval cones are produced in late spring and age to brown after several months. It grows slowly and will eventually reach 12 m tall and 5 m wide but reaches just 3 m tall and 1 m wide after 10 years. Best results with this tree are achieved when it is planted in full sun on a well-drained, semi-sheltered site that does not dry out. It is tolerant of frost, cool climates, and coastal environments. The Umbrella Pine is commonly grown as a specimen, added to a mixed planting in a larger garden, used to border an entrance, or included in avenue plantings.