Dragon's Eye Japanese Red Pine

Dragon’s Eye Japanese red pine is an evergreen cultivar of Japanese red pine, *Pinus densiflora* ‘Oculus-draconis’. Its open, spreading habit, orange-brown bark, and green needles with two yellow bands make it a distinctive specimen; this entry describes the naturally growing cultivar rather than the separate Pom Pom trained form. ## Form and Placement Allow approximately 20–40 feet of height and 15–20 feet of spread at maturity, and site it where the irregular, sometimes wind-sensitive crown has room. The [North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pinus-densiflora-oculus-draconis/) describes the cultivar’s distinctive banded needles, orange bark, spreading form, and USDA zones 4a–7b. ## Growing Conditions Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. The foliage pattern is most useful when the tree can be viewed at close range, while the broad mature spread calls for generous spacing from buildings and neighboring trees. ## Maintenance Water through establishment and during prolonged dry weather, then avoid keeping the roots saturated. Inspect after strong winds and remove dead or damaged branches with clean cuts. Do not shear the naturally open crown into a Pom Pom shape; that trained form is maintained separately.