Japanese Red Pine

Pinus densiflora

Native to:
Japan, Korea, Russia

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Taxonomy

Division:
Coniferophyta | - Conifers
Family:
Pinaceae
Genus:
Pinus
Species:
Pinus densiflora
USDA Symbol:
PIDE5

Growth Characteristics

Height:
2100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Zimmerman's coneworm (Dioryctria zimmermani)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Thick bark provides some fire resistance on mature trees. Resprouts poorly; relies on seed regeneration post-fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to well-drained slopes and hillsides

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification. Light may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI