Umbrella Pine, Japanese Umbrella Pine
Sciadopitys verticillata
Family: Sciadoptyaceae
What it is like
Form: Pyramidal.
Sciadopitys verticillata is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 15
Where it is found
Mountains.
E. Asia - S. Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Oil: Oil
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
An oil obtained from the wood is used for varnishes and dyes. Wood - soft, elastic, water-resistant. Used for boats etc.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.
Varnish: Plants that can be used as a varnish without any special treatment. Does not include varnishes made from oils etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Pest tolerant, Screen, Specimen. 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. Grows best in mild damp areas with warm humid summers. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -30°c when it is fully dormant. 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 2.5cm a year. 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. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Bog Garden;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 5-7
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet