Sciadopitys verticillata Seeds | Umbrella Pine
LATIN NAME: Sciadopitys verticillata
COMMON NAME: Umbrella Pine
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys verticillata) stands out as an evergreen tree in the its family. Umbrella pine is living fossil of old forest, and whorls of dark, strap-like leaves crown straight trunk. It is a tree of open, sunny to partly shaded, deep, moist, well-drained ground. When it flowers, local bees and other insects make good use of it. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Sciadopitys verticillata ranges from the botany of the its family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Nothing exotic is required: standard seed-sowing practice, done carefully, is enough.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Umbrella Pine earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Umbrella pine is a fine, ancient tree of cool garden and study collection. Umbrella pine is one of living-fossil conifers, and fine-grained timber has worked into small objects of old craft. Whorls crown straight trunk through the year. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
The Japanese umbrella pine is a living-fossil conifer of singular beauty, grown purely as a garden treasure.
Growing from Seed
Umbrella Pine grows readily from seed. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. A cool, moist period before sowing helps the seeds wake evenly — a few weeks in damp medium in the refrigerator is the usual approach. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Umbrella Pine earns its space through character rather than fuss. Established seedlings need little beyond ordinary attention.
Related Reading
Readers interested in Umbrella Pine frequently explore these as well: