Appearance

Pinus thunbergii is a small evergreen tree that can reach heights of about 20-30 ft (6-9 m) tall and about 20-35 ft (6-11 m) wide in cultivation. In its native habitat it can grow to over 100 ft (30.5 m) tall. The branches are usually large and contorted, spreading horizontally or hanging down. It is native to northeastern China, Korea and Japan.

Foliage

The leaves are usually a dark green. The needles are 5-7 in long and twisted. Needles are borne in groups of two per bundle.

Fruit

Seed cones are either solitary or held 2-3 together. They are about 1.6-2.4 x 1.2-1.6 in (4-6 × 3-4 cm) long by wide and deciduous. The seeds are obovoid to ellipsoid in shape.

Ecological Threat

P. thunbergii prefers full sun and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It is tolerant to both drought and high salinity. The climate of the southern half of the United States is suitable for this tree.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
• Massachusetts Invasive Plants Advisory Group List
• Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List
• National Park Service, Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team Invasive Plant List
• Nonnative Invasive Species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States

References