ExploreTrees

Japanese black pine

Pinus thunbergii

The Japanese black pine is a strong tree with long, slender needles. It grows tall and is often found near the coast, making it a beautiful sight against the blue sky and ocean.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Japanese black pine has long, stiff, dark green needles in pairs and striking rough, dark gray to black bark that is deeply furrowed, making it stand out from lighter-barked pines. Its branches often twist dramatically.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPinopsidaOrderPinalesFamilyPinaceaeGenusPinus
Japanese black pine
ornamental trait badgeconiferous trait badgeevergreen trait badgesalt_tolerant trait badge
Japanese black pine

Category

Trees

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Bonsai artists love Japanese black pines because their strong branches can be shaped into amazing mini trees!

Its name, 'black pine,' comes from its dark bark, which looks almost burnt on older trees!

This pine's super-strong wood was once used to build ships and traditional Japanese houses!

You can tell its age by counting the rings on its trunk, just like a secret tree calendar!

Special abilities

Ability

Salt Spray Shield

Japanese black pine has thick, leathery needles and tough bark that allow it to grow right by the salty ocean, enduring sea spray.

Ability

Wind Warrior

Japanese black pine can develop a strong, twisting trunk and deep root system to anchor itself firmly against powerful coastal winds.

Ability

Hardy Pioneer

Japanese black pine can thrive in poor, sandy soils where many other trees struggle, making it an excellent colonizer of barren land.

Measurements & details

Height
20-30 m
Canopy Spread
10-20 m
Edible
No
Trunk Diameter
50-150 cm
Lifespan
150-300 years
Fruit Type
Cone
Growth Rate
Medium
Leaf Type
Evergreen

Ecological connections

symbiotic with

Slippery Jack Mushroom

Suillus granulatus

Its roots help this mushroom grow, and the mushroom aids the pine.

eats

Japanese Pine Weevil

Hylobius perfidus

Larvae and adults feed on the bark, sometimes damaging young trees.

shelters

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

Small birds often build nests and find refuge in its dense evergreen needles.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be careful not to climb too high in trees, and always ask an adult for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Japanese black pine?

20-30 m

How wide does Japanese black pine spread?

10-20 m

Is Japanese black pine edible?

No

How big is Japanese black pine?

50-150 cm

How long does Japanese black pine live?

150-300 years

Where is Japanese black pine usually found?

Coastal areas

What kind of fruit does Japanese black pine produce?

Cone

How fast does Japanese black pine grow?

Medium

Snap Map

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