Umbrella Pine
Sciadopitys verticillatafam. Pinaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. B0F4 — Sciadopitys verticillata
Sciadopitys verticillataSciadopitys verticillataSciadopitys verticillataSciadopitys verticillataSciadopitys verticillataSciadopitys verticillataSciadopitys verticillataSciadopitys verticillataSciadopitys verticillataSciadopitys verticillataSciadopitys verticillataSciadopitys verticillataSciadopitys verticillataSciadopitys verticillata
IOverview
Overview
Umbrella Pine, known scientifically as Sciadopitys verticillata, is a unique evergreen conifer native to Japan. This tree thrives in moist and wet environments, preferring light or partial shade. It can grow up to 15 meters tall and is valued for its ornamental qualities, with distinctive whorls of needles that give it an umbrella-like appearance. The Umbrella Pine is also edible; its young shoots are sometimes used in Japanese cuisine. Its hardiness ranges from zones 5-7, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
Quick answers
What is Umbrella Pine?
Umbrella Pine, known scientifically as Sciadopitys verticillata, is a unique evergreen conifer native to Japan. This tree thrives in moist and wet environments, preferring light or partial shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Umbrella Pine thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist to wet soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with zones 5-7. For propagation, use seeds or semi-hardwood cuttings. Regular watering is essential for its health, especially when the soil dries out. This tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and makes an excellent addition to gardens seeking a unique evergreen.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-7
Mature size
15.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Umbrella Pine for the first time
7steps
Start with planting Umbrella Pine in a beginner-friendly environment.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Umbrella Pine sapling, well-draining soil, and a container or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the ground is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with good drainage. For containers, use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and compost.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings from a nursery pot to your garden or container, ensuring the root ball is intact.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Avoid direct sunlight for the first few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young growth in late winter to maintain shape, but do not harvest for use as a food source.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:DyeoilVarnishLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 1 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Japan
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Pinaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Pinaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · b0f49dfd-6e5d-4edc-921f-57681c3c52fa
Decision aid
Choosing between Umbrella Pine and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.