Japanese pine (Pinus densiflora, Fl. Jap. 2(3): 22 (1842))

Family: Pinaceae

Author: Siebold & Zucc.

Bibliography: Fl. Jap. 2(3): 22 (1842)

Year: 1842

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pinus

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Russian Far East to Korea and C. & S. Japan

Description

Japanese pine, scientifically known as Pinus densiflora, is a majestic tree that stands as a symbol of beauty and resilience. This species belongs to the Pinaceae family, a group renowned for its hardy and evergreen members.

Originally documented in Fl. Jap. 2(3): 22 (1842) by botanists Siebold & Zucc., Japanese pine embodies the rich floristic heritage of regions extending from the southern Russian Far East, across Korea, and throughout central and southern Japan. This vast range speaks to the tree’s adaptability and its cultural significance across East Asia, where it has been treasured for centuries.

Japanese pine is famed for its striking appearance, with a tall, slender trunk that supports a canopy of delicate, needle-like leaves. The bark of mature trees often develops a distinctive orange-red hue, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The needles, arranged in pairs, are bright green and can remain on the tree for several years before shedding, maintaining the tree’s lush look year-round.

One of the key characteristics of Pinus densiflora is its resilience. This pine species has adapted well to various environmental conditions, making it a popular choice for both natural landscapes and ornamental use. It can thrive in well-drained soils and is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it a versatile plant across different climatic zones within its natural distribution.

In addition to its ornamental value, Japanese pine holds ecological significance. It provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, contributing to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits. Its ability to grow in varied and often challenging environments also helps in soil stabilization and forest regeneration efforts.

In conclusion, the Japanese pine is not only an iconic and beautiful tree but also an ecologically important species. Whether appreciated for its visual splendor in gardens and parks or its role in natural ecosystems, Pinus densiflora continues to be a cherished and vital component of the landscapes it graces.

Common Names

Eng: japanese pine, japanese red pine, japanese umbrella pine, japanese-red-pine, tanyosho pine, japanese red-pine
Deu: japanische rot-kiefer, japanische rotkiefer
Nld: japanse rode den
Hun: japán erdeifenyo
Ita: pino densiflore, pino rosso del giappone
Swe: japansk tall
Fra: pin rouge du japon
Por: pinheiro
Rus: сосна густоцветковая
Zho: 赤松 (chi song), chi song
Jpn: aka-matsu
Kor: sonamoo
En: Japanese pine, Japanese red pine, Tanyosho pine, Japanese umbrella pine, Japanese-red-pine, Japanese Red-Pine
Zh: Chi song, 赤松 (chi song)
Nl: Japanse rode den
Fr: Pin rouge du Japon
De: Japanische Rotkiefer, Japanische Rot-Kiefer
Hu: Japán erdeifenyo
It: Pino rosso del Giappone, Pino densiflore
Ja: Aka-matsu, Me-matsu
Ko: Sonamu, Sonamoo
Pt: Pinheiro
Ru: Сосна густоцветковая
Sv: Japansk tall

Synonyms

• Pinus japonica (Forbes)
• Pinus densiflora var. oculus-draconis (Mayr)
• Pinus densiflora var. aurea (Mayr)
• Pinus densiflora var. aureovariegata-pendula (Mayr)
• Pinus densiflora var. albifolia (Castillón ex Carrière)
• Pinus densiflora f. erecta (Uyeki)
• Pinus densiflora f. congesta (Uyeki)
• Pinus densiflora f. multicaulis (Uyeki)
• Pinus densiflora f. brevifolia ((Liou & Q.L.Wang) Kitag.)
• Pinus densiflora f. aurescens (Uyeki)
• Pinus densiflora f. liaotungensis ((Liou & Q.L.Wang) Kitag.)
• Pinus funebris (Kom.)
• Pinus densiflora var. umbraculifera (Mayr)
• Pinus densiflora var. globosa (Mayr)
• Pinus densiflora subsp. funebris ((Kom.) Silba)
• Pinus densiflora f. vittata (Uyeki)
• Pinus densiflora var. funebris ((Kom.) Liou & Q.L.Wang ex Silba)
• Pinus densiflora var. oculus-draconis-pendula (Mayr)
• Pinus densiflora f. umbraculifera ((Mayr) Beissn.)
• Pinus densiflora var. sylvestriformis ((Taken.) Q.L.Wang)
• Pinus densiflora f. sylvestriformis (Taken.)
• Pinus densiflora f. aurea ((Mayr) E.H.Wilson)
• Pinus densiflora var. brevifolia (Liou & Q.L.Wang)
• Pinus densiflora var. liaotungensis (Liou & Q.L.Wang)
• Pinus sylvestris var. sylvestriformis ((Taken.) W.C.Cheng & C.D.Chu)
• Pinus densiflora f. nigricorticalis (Q.L.Wang)
• Pinus densiflora f. oculus-draconis ((Mayr) Beissn.)
• Pinus scopifera (Miq.)
• Pinus densiflora f. globosa ((Mayr) Beissn.)
• Pinus densiflora f. pendula ((Mayr) Beissn.)
• Pinus densiflora var. zhangwuensis (S.J.Zhang, C.X.Li & X.Y.Yuan)
• Pinus densiflora subsp. zhangwuensis ((S.J.Zhang, C.X.Li & X.Y.Yuan) Silba)
• Pinus densiflora var. pendula (Mayr)
• Pinus sylvestris subsp. densiflora ((Siebold & Zucc.) Vorosch.)
• Pinus densiflora f. aggregata (Nakai)

Distribution

• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Primorye (native)
• China North-Central (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2006 by Алекс Воронов (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2021 by oscar carabache (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Dec 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Dec 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 13, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Lisa Groves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2020 by Timi Tajti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Frédéric E. (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 27, 2017 by JP Corrêa Carvalho (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2022 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 14, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5285104)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:262894-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pinus densiflora Siebold & Zucc.)

Specifications

Growth