Pinus parviflora Seeds | Japanese White Pine
LATIN NAME: Pinus parviflora
COMMON NAME: Japanese White Pine
Plant Profile
Japanese White Pine (Pinus parviflora) is an elegant evergreen conifer of the pine family (Pinaceae), native to the mountains of Japan and Korea. It reaches 15-25 m, with soft, blue-green needles in fives and small, persistent cones, often developing a picturesque, layered crown with age. It is one of the classic subjects of Japanese garden design and bonsai, and many dwarf and variegated forms are cultivated.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the Pinus group, Pinus parviflora is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Blue-green needles of the Japanese white pine give it a recognised place in research on bonsai and ornamental conifers of great pine group, and parviflora species appears in studies of coastal wind resistance and sculptural habit. Modern propagation practice has made this species straightforward to raise by ordinary good methods.
Uses & Benefits
Japanese White Pine brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. In cool garden, the Japanese white pine needles garden with blue-green clusters. Tree is classic of bonsai tray, it makes fine specimen for rock garden and tub, and cones feed the birds. It grows well in sharp-draining, sunny ground. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
Pines are a materia medica of their own: vitamin-C-rich needle teas saved explorers from scurvy, pine pollen is a tonic food in China, bark proanthocyanidins are studied for circulation, and resin gave turpentine, rosin and naval stores to history.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Japanese White Pine, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow on the surface of a gritty, well-drained mix, cover lightly with fine compost, and maintain gentle, even moisture in a sunny position. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Japanese White Pine repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Japanese White Pine often pair it with these related subjects: