Japanese White Pine Tree

Japanese white pine is a slow-growing evergreen native to Japan, valued for its fine blue-green needles and sculptural branching. Mature trees may reach 25–50 feet tall and similarly broad, although their outline becomes more spreading with age; allow room for the eventual crown. ## Appearance Needles grow in bundles of five, with silvery inner surfaces that create a soft, blue-green cast. The broad pyramidal form and persistent foliage make the species useful as a specimen in a spacious garden. ## Growing Conditions Choose full sun and moist, well-drained soil. The species tolerates a range of soils when drainage is good and is moderately drought tolerant; water during establishment and prolonged dry spells. Morton Arboretum lists hardiness zones 4–7 for the Chicago region. ## Maintenance Little routine pruning is needed. Remove competing leaders when young and selectively lift lower branches on older trees when clearance is needed; retain the natural outline.