Japanese white pine (goyōmatsu) Pinus parviflora
Japanese white pine (goyōmatsu) (Pinus parviflora) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to Japan and Ulleungdo, Korea. It grows 6–15 m (20–49 ft) tall and 5–8 m (16–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
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Japanese white pine (goyōmatsu) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 6–15 m (20–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 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 | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan and Ulleungdo, Korea |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇨🇦 Canada |
Is Japanese white pine (goyōmatsu) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; needles may cause mild stomach upset in pets if chewed.
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 white pine (goyōmatsu)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Japanese white pine (goyōmatsu)
- How far apart should I plant Japanese white pine (goyōmatsu)?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 m (16–26 ft).
- Does Japanese white pine (goyōmatsu) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Japanese white pine (goyōmatsu) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Japanese white pine (goyōmatsu)?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- Is Japanese white pine (goyōmatsu) 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. Not poisonous; needles may cause mild stomach upset in pets if chewed.
- What grows well with Japanese white pine (goyōmatsu)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Japanese white pine (goyōmatsu). 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).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Short blue-green needles in bundles of five (goyō); slow, with layered branches. A favourite tree for bonsai and for pruned pines in Japanese gardens.
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