Pinus thunbergii (Japanese Black Pine) is a coniferous pine tree that is native to the eastern Asian countries of Korea, China and Japan. Easy to grow and shape and with a unique double growth during Spring has made the Japanese Black Pine one of the most popular bonsai species in the world. There are also some traditional medicines made from the resin derived out of the tree.
Suitable for Cold and Temperate climates.
Pinus thunbergii is also commonly known as Black Pine, Japanese Pine, Gomsol in Korean, Hēisōng in China and Kuromatsu in Japan. Not only is popular as a bonsai variety it is the main species used in the ancient Japanese technique of Niwaki. Niwaki is the art of sculpting and pruning trees into classical shapes and in translation simply means Garden Tree.
For more varieties that are ideal for bonsai growing click here.
Growth
Pinus thunbergii is a coniferous evergreen tree that grows to a maximum height of 15 metres (49 feet) and a maximum width of 7 metres (25 feet). Japanese Black Pine trees natively enjoy moist soils and are tolerant to strong winds, drought, cold temperatures and maritime exposure. Young plants can grow up to 50cm (2 feet) per year before slowing as the age to around 30cm (1 foot) per year.
Leaves or needles are in fascicles of two with a white sheath at the base as long as 12cm (almost 5 inches). The bark is grey on young trees and gradually change to black as they age and reach full maturity. Female seed cones can remain on the tree for up to two years before dispersing seeds.
Japanese Black Pine trees can take between 10-15 years to begin producing seed cones.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Pinaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold and Temperate climate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-30 to 30°C / -25 to 85°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil must be well draining. Suitable for most types of soil but does not like boggy or clay soils that retain excess moisture.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 15 metres (65 feet)
WIDTH:
Up 7 metres (25 feet)
pH:
4.5-5.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated
MATURITY:
15-20 Years
GERMINATION RATES:
45-60%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak 24 hours
Cold Stratification for 4 weeks, post sowing germination averages around 3-4 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium-Hard
SEEDS PER GRAM:
70
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes, the young shoots are edible but only in emergency situations.
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT PINUS THUNBERGII (Japanese Black Pine)
Pinus thunbergii is one of the main species used in the Japanese art of Niwaki.
The resin produced by many pine trees including Pinus thunbergii is used to make turpentine and rosin, substances that are used to make waxes, varnishes and is found in a range of medicinal products.
Rosin is a substance that is used on the bows of violins and to make sealing wax and varnishes that are excellent for protecting wooden surfaces.
The resin is also used in traditional medicines and are said to be useful in treating coughs, colds, burns, wounds and other skin complaints.
For more information about the medicinal benefits of Japanese Black Pine click here.
