Images of the Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii)

Japanese Black Pine

Pinus thunbergii

Native to Japan and South Korea, this species was introduced into the United States as an ornamental tree, valued for its elegant trunk and distinctive branches. Trees can grow to a height of 40 m and are characterized by thick gray to black trunks in mature individuals. This pine is a prized subject for the horticultural art of bonsai.

Habitat:Planted as an ornamental.

Growth Habit:It is an evergreen tree that can grow as tall as 30 m (100 ft) but usually to 10 m (40 ft).

Bloom Time:Pollination occurs in spring.

Longevity:Unknown.

Presence in US:Not native to the US but widely cultivated.

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This project was supported in part by NSF Grant IIS-03-25867 (ITR: An Electronic Field Guide: Plant Exploration and Discovery in the 21st Century) and by the Washington Biologists' Field Club.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views, opinions, or policy of the National Science Foundation (NSF).