Japanese Black Pine
Pinus thunbergii
- Native to:
- Japan, Korea
Geographer (en.wikipedia.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus thunbergii
- USDA Symbol:
- PITH2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 2500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
European pine shoot moth (Rhyacionia buoliana), Nantucket pine tip moth (Rhyacionia frustrana), Pandora moth (Coloradia pandora), pitch pine tip moth (Rhyacionia rigidana), Velda pinemoth (Coloradia velda)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Mature trees can survive low-intensity fires due to thick bark. Seedlings and young trees are fire-sensitive.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to coastal areas, tolerates salt spray
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification. Light is not required but warm temperatures (65-75°F) improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI