Family: Pinaceae
Author: (Pall.) Regel
Bibliography: Index Seminum (LE, Petropolitanus) 1858: 23 (1859)
Year: 1859
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pinus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Siberia to N. China and Japan
Description
The Japanese stone pine, a notable species within the Pinaceae family, carries the scientific designation Pinus pumila. This resilient and adaptive conifer is indigenous to a vast region stretching from Siberia to Northern China and extending into Japan. Identified and classified by (Pall.) Regel, it was first documented in the Index Seminum (LE, Petropolitanus) 1858: 23 (1859), a testament to its long-standing recognition within botanical circles.
Characterized by its dwarf, sprawling growth form, the Japanese stone pine thrives in harsh, cold climates where few other trees can survive. This conifer typically grows to modest heights, often hugging the ground to shield itself from brutal winds and heavy snowfalls characteristic of its native range. The species is well-adapted to such environments, with tough, needle-like leaves that reduce water loss and protect against freezing temperatures.
The Japanese stone pine plays a crucial ecological role in its native habitats. In the expansive boreal forests and alpine regions where it is found, it contributes significantly to soil stabilization and provides shelter and sustenance for various wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Its presence aids in the prevention of erosion and helps sustain the fragile ecosystems that depend on it.
In horticulture, Pinus pumila is celebrated for its unique aesthetic and hardy nature. Gardeners appreciate its low-maintenance requirements and its ability to add texture and greenery to rock gardens and alpine-themed landscapes. The Japanese stone pine’s slow growth and compact form make it an excellent choice for bonsai cultivation, revered for its ability to transform into various artistic shapes while retaining its natural beauty.
Overall, the Japanese stone pine, with its enduring charm and practical benefits, remains a vital and appreciated species across its native and cultivated ranges.
Common Names
Eng: dwarf siberian pine, japanese stone pine, dwarf stone pine
Nld: dwergden
Deu: japanische zwergkiefer, kriechkiefer, zwergkiefer, zwergzirbelkiefer, ostasiatische zwergkiefer
Ita: pino nano siberiano
Hun: törpe cirbolya
Swe: dvärgtall
Rus: кедровник (kedrovnik), кедровый стланик (kedrovyj stlanik), сосна стланиковая (sosna stlanikovaya)
Zho: 偃松 (yan song)
Nob: sibirsk dvergfuru
Nno: sibirsk dvergfuru
Kor: nun-jas-na-mu
En: Japanese stone pine, Dwarf Siberian pine, Dwarf Stone Pine, Siberian dwarf pine, Creeping pine
Be: Кедравы сланік
Zh: Yan song, 偃松, 偃松 (yan song)
Cs: Borovice zakrslá
Da: Krybe-Fyr
Nl: Siberische dwergden, Dwergden
Eo: Siberia nana pino
Et: Kääbus-seedermänd
Fi: Pensassembra
De: Zwergkiefer, Zwergzirbelkiefer, Ostasiatische Zwergkiefer, Zwerg-Kiefer, Japanische Zwergkiefer, Kriechkiefer
Hu: Törpe cirbolya
Is: Kjarrfura
It: Pino nano siberiano
Ja: Hai-matsu
Kv: Дзоля суспу
Ko: Nunjatnamu, 눈잣나무, Nun-jas-na-mu
Lt: Žemoji pušis
Mn: Сибирийн давжаа нарс
Nb: Sibirsk dvergfuru
Nn: Sibirsk dvergfuru
Fa: کاج کوتوله سیبری
Pl: Sosna karłowa
Ro: Pin pitic
Ru: Kedrovyj stlanik, Сосна стланиковая, Кедровник (kedrovnik), Кедровый стланик (kedrovyj stlanik), Сосна стланиковая (sosna stlanikovaya)
Es: Pino enano de siberia
Sv: Dvärgtall
Vi: Thông lùn Siberi
: Dwarf siberian pine
Synonyms
- Pinus pumila f. auriamentata (Y.N.Lee)
- Pinus pumila var. mongolica (Nakai)
- Pinus nana (Lemée & H.Lév.)
- Pinus cembra subsp. pumila ((Pall.) Endl.)
- Pinus cembra var. pygmaea (Loudon)
- Pinus cembra var. pumila (Pall.)
Distribution
- Amur (native)
- Buryatiya (native)
- Chita (native)
- Inner Mongolia (native)
- Irkutsk (native)
- Japan (native)
- Kamchatka (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Korea (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Magadan (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Yakutskiya (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 18, 2022 by staurolit (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2022 by Nikolai Kurzenko (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Klaudia Mielczarek (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 24, 2022 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 21, 2022 by Hosseini Amjad (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2022 by Nikolai Kurzenko (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2022 by Nikolai Kurzenko (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5285355)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:263243-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel)