Korean pine Pinus koraiensis
Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to Korea, north-east China, the Russian Far East and Japan. It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -40 °C (-40 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Korean pine in your garden →
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Korean pine at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -40 °C (-40 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (pine nuts, jat) |
| Native to | Korea, north-east China, the Russian Far East and Japan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Korean 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 Korean pine
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Korean pine
- How far apart should I plant Korean pine?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Korean pine need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Korean pine need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Korean pine?
- It tolerates about -40 °C (-40 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- Is Korean 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 Korean pine?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Korean pine. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
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
- Five-needle pine; the main source of commercial pine nuts. Cones stay closed and ripen over two years.
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