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:
- 4000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
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
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
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:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.