Japanese red pine Pinus densiflora
Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to Korea, Japan, north-east China. It grows 10–30 m (33–98 ft) tall and 6–12 m (20–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
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Japanese red pine at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 10–30 m (33–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Korea, Japan, north-east China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China |
Is Japanese red pine toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Japanese red pine
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Japanese red pine
- How far apart should I plant Japanese red pine?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–12 m (20–39 ft).
- Does Japanese red pine need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Japanese red pine need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Japanese red pine?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- Is Japanese red pine poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Japanese red pine?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Japanese red pine. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Korea National Arboretum: Korean plant names and distribution, Korea Forest Service
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Korea’s favourite tree (sonamu): orange-red bark on leaning trunks; pruned into cloud forms in Japanese gardens (the “female pine”).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Colorado blue spruce Picea pungens
- Japanese black pine Pinus thunbergii
- Eastern white pine Pinus strobus
- Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
- Norway spruce Picea abies
- Siberian larch Larix sibirica
- Two-needle piñon Pinus edulis