Common Name: Umbrella Pine

General Information

Sciadopitys verticillata is an evergreen tree with a dense, heavy-branching crown; it can grow 20 - 30 metres tall, exceptionally reaching 35 metres. The bole can be up to 100cm in diameter. The red-brown bark is thick and stringy[]. In cultivation, especially in an open position, it often grows as a multi-stemmed large shrub[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood and bark. It is also harvested commercially for its wood. It is often grown as an ornamental, especially in Japan.
Being a component species in mixed conifer-angiosperm forests where Chamaecyparis obtusa is commonly the dominant species, past logging and subsequent conversion to managed or planted forest, or other land uses, has restricted the occurrence of Sciadopitys in many regions. Most of the remaining stands in Honshu are now only small remnant populations and larger stands in more or less undisturbed forest are confined to Shikoku and Kyushu. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - southern and central Japan.

Habitat

Mixed conifer and broad-leaved forests, most commonly found in rocky, cool and moist ravines and valleys in mountainous areas; at elevations from 200 - 1,700 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Sciadopitys verticillata is a very cold-hardy plant[], tolerating temperatures down to about -30°c when it is fully dormant[]. It grows best in mild damp regions with warm humid summers[].
Prefers a good loamy soil[]. Grows well near water, tolerating a wet site[]. Thrives in all conditions except limey soils[]. It prefers a pH in the range of 4 to 6, and although it will grow at pH 7 or above it becomes chlorotic[]. Tolerates some shade but prefers an open position in full sun[]. Dislikes cold or violent winds[].
A slow-growing tree when very young[, ]. Some trees have grown slowly but generally they are of moderate growth in Britain, often averaging 30cm a year and increasing their girth by 25mm a year[].
This tree is one of the 'five trees of Kiso' treated as sacred in Japan[].
A popular planted tree in Japan and to a lesser extent in Europe and the USA. A small number of cultivars with dwarfed growth, variegated foliage and/or pendulous branches has been developed but these are rarely planted[]
Like the ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), this is an ancient species that dates back to a time when dinosaurs still roamed the earth[].
The cones ripen over a period of 2 years[].
There are two forms of this species, one is shrub-like whilst the other is a tall-growing tree[].
Plants should be put into their permanent positions as soon as possible in order for them to develop a good root system, plants more than 1 metre tall check badly for a number of years[].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The fibrous bark was formerly used for caulking boats (oakum)[].

An oil obtained from the wood is used for varnishes and dyes[].

The spicy-scented wood is soft, elastic, very durable and water-resistant. Highly valued for making boats in Japan, it is also used in construction and furniture making[, , , ].

Propagation

Seed - requires 3 months cold stratification and so it can be sown in a cold frame either as soon as it is ripe in the autumn or in January[]. Only cover the seed lightly and place the pot in a sunny position[]. The seed can be difficult to germinate[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. The seedlings are very slow-growing and take about 3 years to reach 30cm tall[] so be sure to mulch them well and perhaps give them some protection such as a tree guard made from a plastic bottle with its top and bottom removed[].