Umbrella Pine at NC Arboretum in Asheville,  NC

Golden Needle Form

Japanese Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys verticillata) is an evergreen (USDA hardiness zones 5b -9). It is not actually a pine.  Historically, umbrella pines date back to the dinosaur age. This mid-sized landscape tree displays several fine attributes: shiny leaves are arranged in whorls like the spokes of an umbrella; peeling, reddish brown bark and a conical habit.

To conifer collectors, umbrella pine is the ultimate prize to add to a private collection. A young nursery produced tree may require training to develop a central leader. Dwarf cultivars (see below)  grow slowly, only 4-5 inches yearly.

Umbrella Pine prefers a moist, organically rich, well-drained, moderately acidic soil. Feed with a slow release organic fertilizer in early spring. Maintain a 2-3 inches layer of an organic mulch around the tree base. In the mid-South (zones 6 -7), the tree prefers one-half to full-day sunlight. Further south,  morning sunlight is preferred. Pruning needs are rare, mostly to maintain the tree’s pyramidal form and to remove a broken limb or two in late winter. Disease and insect problems are rare.

In its early years, umbrella pine is a slow grower. Eventually, it reaches 30 to 40 ft. in height and 20 ft. in spread. Historic tree specimens may attain 70 or more feet in height. This unique conifer possesses stiff needles arranged in whorls resembling an upside-down umbrella. Branches can withstand heavy snow and ice loads.

The Umbrella Pine is an evergreen prized for its striking foliage and superior pyramidal form. Needles rarely go off color in winter. Select forms are available at specialty conifer nurseries.

‘Gruene Kugel’ – compact form from Germany. Rounded in shape when young, developing slowly into a small compact tree with glossy deep green foliage year-round.

‘Joe Kozey’ grows tall and exceptionally narrow at 20 feet high and only 6 feet wide; slow-growing, spire-like habit.

‘Picola’ – broad growing, 2 inch long dark green needles; ultra-dwarf selection 16- 20 inches tall after 10 years; rock garden plant.

‘Mitsch Select’ – a dense multi-stemmed shrub form with loose pyramidal habit and forest green needles.

‘Picola’– exceptional slow growing pyramidal form with dark-green foliage.