Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora)

Majestic pine tree with tufted clumps of thick needles that are much stouter than the regular North American White Pine. This species does not grow as fast as the regular white pine normally seen in North America. This means the wood tends to be slightly harder and the shape makes it less prone to snapping when there is snow load. North American White Pines can be dangerous as they do tend to shed large branches during snow and even snap across the trunks. This tree is far less prone to that. It also will produce branches that can droop down towards the ground given enough space to grow. This means if the intention is to collect the edible pine seeds they are far more accessible than the regular white pine where the seeds tend to be at the top of the tree. In its native Japan this tree is associated with auspiciousness and longevity, as the do live a long time and dont tend to snap and fall. The shape they produce is far more impressive and the thick clumps of needles give it more character.

A stout evergreen conifer native to Japan and Korea that grows to about 50-80 feet (15-25 m). with enough space it will grow in a conical structure with a broad often dense crown and branches all the way down, these may droop slightly and may almost reach the ground. The trunk is straight with smooth grayish black bark, smooth on young trees but becoming fissured and scaly with age. The leaves are thin needles 1.5-3" (3-7 cm) long deep green above and whitish below and are collected in bundles of five needles in each group (hence the name "five-needle pine") these are often curved or twisted and are produced in dense tufted clusters at the branch tips. Both male and female flowers appear on all trees with the females appearing as small cones which grow and elongate into ovoid structures 2-3? (6-8 cm) long that mature over two seasons but often remaining on the tree for many more years. Seeds may remain in the cone for several years before being released. These are about 0.5" (1 cm) long with a tiny vestigial wing. Pines are wind pollinated and Japanese white pines grow far more slowly than the regular white pines seen in North America. These also have 5 needle bunches but the needles are much thinner and softer than the Japanese version.

Seeds need a period of cold stratification for best germination. All our seeds are kept in cold conditions but benefit from a period of moist stratification for best results.

Seeds can be sown directly in the ground. Choose your location carefully as seedlings do not like to be moved once established. Plant seeds 1/2 inch (1.2cm) deep and never more than 1 inch. Ensure you mark the spot where you planted them as it is easy to forget once spring arrives. While this method is the most simple and easy it also puts seeds at risk from predation by birds and rodents who really love the large seeds. If possible protect seed area until seeds germinate.

This method ensures best control over your seeds and prevents damage by rodents and birds. There are a variety of methods you can chose from see our Stratification Instructions to decide which method is best for you. (A copy of these will also accompany your order).
Japanese White Pine seeds do best with 4-6 weeks (28-46 days) cold moist stratification. Here at the farm we usually shoot for a middle number and leave them abut 35 days. That seems to give good results so I have not, as yet, experimented further.
If you can sow seeds directly in small pots, this allows seeds to grow at their own pace and not be disturbed by others around them that may germinate faster. If using a refridgerator you may want to consider the Egg Box Method. This takes up less space and keeps your seeds well controlled. Use a sterile fine seeding mix but add a little sand to make the mixture better draining. Once the stratification period is up move to a cool but not cold area with good light and keep moist until seeds germinate which can still take several weeks so be patient. Seedlings are very slow growing to begin. Top growth is small as they establish roots.
We recommend using peat pots inside plastic pots to sow seeds. Egg box segments can be directly transferred to the peat pot. This ensures that the roots of the plant are not disturbed but the outer plastic pot keeps the pot and plant more moist and stops the peat pot from disintegrating which can happen with some brands.

This plant is very fussy about its roots and does not take well to transplanting so do so when seedlings are about 2-4 inches (5-10cm) tall. Using a peat pot inside a plastic means you can slip the peat pot out and plant directly without disturbing the roots ensuring that little tree will be as happy as possible.
Take care to mark where you planted your trees. We recommend using tree tubes, or just small fences around the trees to prevent wildlife from eating the delicate seedlings. This also protects from lawn mowers.

This is a cool climate tree and does not do well in warmer temperatures zone 7 is the warmest it will tolerate.
Light. Where you plant your tree will depend on your zone. this tree is hardy to zone 4 and can tolerate temperatures down to -29 F (-34 C) during the winter months. In zones 4-5b full sun is required this will give the best foliage color and given enough space a good shape.
In zones 6b-7 some shade is required at least when the tree is younger. It has more difficulty tolerating the hot summers especially when they are humid so providing shade from deciduous trees around it will help it establish and grow. Trees on the south side are best to shade from the noon sun while all other directions should give it enough sunshine without too much heat. Provide plenty of ventilation so that the breezes can move through the foliage and cool the tree and provide plenty of room so it is not crowded in by other trees.
This is not a tree to make a plantation or thick hedge until you are in zone 4 or 5a.
Soil. does best on a well drained soil it prefers soil with some sand but will tolerate most soils provided it drains well. Does not do well in soils that hold water and should not be planted on valley bottoms. It also prefers a slightly acidic soil which can be achieved by mulching with pine needles or pine mulch. Do not take mulch too close to the tree trunk or it may rot. Mulch will also deter weeds and keep the soil moisture from evaporating.
Water. Water young trees to keep them moist as they are establishing their roots and growing. As the tree grows a soaker hose can be looped around the base at the drip line of the tree and a little water given every week if there is insufficient rain. Once tree is established it should not need further watering it is fairly drought tolerant but may need some help in prolonged droughts.
Pruning and care. If given enough space this tree will develop with branches that bow down close to the ground and provides a lovely shape. For the most part no pruning is needed.

If intending to harvest the cones and seeds ensure they are fully developed and opening before removing. Cones tend to stay on the tree for considerable time and shed the seeds as the wind blows so harvesting lower branches or using a step ladder is prudent. Wear gloves this tree produces a great deal of sticky resin around the cones which is hard to remove from hands and clothing.

Seeds are edible but do have a more resinous flavor than regular pine nuts. They can be consumed raw or roasted. This species is not used commercially in America due to the pine flavor and difficulty in harvesting.

The needles contain fairly high levels of Vitamin C and a tea made from them can be useful supplement when other sources are unavailable. Tea should not be consumed in large quantities however as it can cause stomach upset. This tea can also be used to aid coughs, urinary issues, rheumatism, and respiratory ailments.
Pine resin from almost all pine trees can be used medicinally. It is strongly antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial. It is used in many ointments and creams for a variety of skin issues. Recent research is suggesting it is also Antitumor and Immunomodulatory:

Pine scented products are associated with clean, this originally derives from the oil collected from the pine needles and resin from the cones although today most commercial products use artificial scent rather than pine resin.
A green or tan dye can be obtained from boiling the needles

five-needle pine