Appearance

Growth form

In U.S. landscapes it commonly reaches about 20–50 ft (6–15 m) tall and wide, growing slowly into a broad or flat-topped tree.

Leaves

The slightly twisted needles are about 1–3 in (2.5–7.5 cm) long and grow five to a bundle. White stomatal lines give the foliage a silvery blue cast.

Fruit

The oval cone is reddish brown when mature and usually sits among the dense needles.

Look-alikes

Images coming soon

eastern white pinePinus strobus

Both have five needles per bundle, but eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) usually has softer, longer needles about 3–5 in (7.5–13 cm) long. Japanese white pine usually has shorter, denser, more twisted needles about 1–3 in (2.5–7.5 cm) long.

Why they get mixed up · Both are five-needle white pines with bluish foliage.

Japanese red pinePinus densiflora

Count the needles in one bundle: Japanese white pine has five, while Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) has two.

Why they get mixed up · Both are Asian ornamental pines grown in U.S. landscapes.

	Needles per bundle	Needle length
Japanese white pine	5	about 1–3 in (2.5–7.5 cm)
eastern white pine	5	about 3–5 in (7.5–13 cm)
Japanese red pine	2	about 3–5 in (7.5–13 cm)

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• cool-climate gardens
• tree collections
• well-drained slopes

Range

It is native to Japan and South Korea, not the United States, but it is grown as an ornamental tree in cooler parts of the country.

Preferred conditions

It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Hot, humid conditions in the Deep South can weaken it.

Growing it

Care

It is hardy in U.S. hardiness zones 4a–7b and needs good drainage. Many compact and blue-foliaged cultivars are sold for gardens and bonsai.

Connected species

Caterpillar food plants

• imperial mothEacles imperialis

  In North Carolina plant guidance, this pine is listed as a host for imperial moth caterpillars.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms

Garden selections include compact, upright, and blue-foliaged cultivars.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

LCLeast Concern·Low risk of extinction

Culture and stories

Culture and stories

• It is a classic bonsai pine because its short needles and slow growth suit miniature training.