Japanese umbrella pine (kōyamaki) Sciadopitys verticillata
Japanese umbrella pine (kōyamaki) (Sciadopitys verticillata) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Sciadopityaceae family, native to Central and southern Japan. It grows 6–20 m (20–66 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
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Japanese umbrella pine (kōyamaki) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Sciadopityaceae |
| Mature height | 6–20 m (20–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 4 m (13 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central and southern Japan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Japanese umbrella pine (kōyamaki) 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 umbrella pine (kōyamaki)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Japanese umbrella pine (kōyamaki)
- How far apart should I plant Japanese umbrella pine (kōyamaki)?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Japanese umbrella pine (kōyamaki) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Japanese umbrella pine (kōyamaki) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Japanese umbrella pine (kōyamaki)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- Is Japanese umbrella pine (kōyamaki) 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 umbrella pine (kōyamaki)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Japanese umbrella pine (kōyamaki). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- A “living fossil” in its own family: glossy needles in whorls like umbrella spokes. Very slow growing.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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