# 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. - **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Coastal areas ![Japanese black pine](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/2005-08-17_%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AD%E3%83%9E%E3%83%84%E3%80%81%E6%B5%A6%E5%AF%8C%E6%B5%B7%E5%B2%B8%E3%80%81%E9%B4%A8%E3%82%AC%E7%A3%AF.jpg&width=800) Photo: Original: Yuniko , this edit: MPF, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2005-08-17_%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AD%E3%83%9E%E3%83%84%E3%80%81%E6%B5%A6%E5%AF%8C%E6%B5%B7%E5%B2%B8%E3%80%81%E9%B4%A8%E3%82%AC%E7%A3%AF.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Pinopsida - **Order:** Pinales - **Family:** Pinaceae - **Genus:** Pinus ## 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 - **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. - **Wind Warrior:** Japanese black pine can develop a strong, twisting trunk and deep root system to anchor itself firmly against powerful coastal winds. - **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 - **Spread:** 10-20 m - **Edible:** No - **Size:** 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. - **Shelter:** [Eurasian Tree Sparrow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eurasian-tree-sparrow) (*Passer montanus*) — Small birds often build nests and find refuge in its dense evergreen needles. ## Traits - [Ornamental](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ornamental): Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form. - [Coniferous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coniferous): Coniferous plants are typically evergreen, bearing needles or scales and reproductive cones. - [Evergreen](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/evergreen): Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once. - [Salt Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/salt-tolerant): Salt tolerant plants can withstand and grow in conditions with elevated salinity levels in the soil or water. - [Timber](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/timber): Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater. ## Collections - [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees) ## 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 to identify Japanese black pine? Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [North and South Brother Islands](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/north-and-south-brother-islands) — US · Nature Reserve - [Rakujuen Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/rakujuen-park) — Shizuoka, JP · Park - [Kiyosumi Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kiyosumi-gardens) — Tokyo, JP · Park - [Uminonakamichi Seaside Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/uminonakamichi-seaside-park) — Kyushu, JP · Park - [Hamamatsu Flower Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/hamamatsu-flower-park) — Chubu, JP · Park - [Ohori Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ohori-park) — Kyushu, JP · Park [View all places to see Japanese black pine](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/japanese-black-pine) ## More Trees - [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*) - [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*) - [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*) - [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) --- Source: [Japanese black pine: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/japanese-black-pine)