Sciadopitys verticillata
The Japanese umbrella pine is a coniferous tree endemic to Japan and the only surviving species in the genus Sciadopitys.
Location
The Japanese umbrella pine can be found on the Magnolia Trail opposite the dawn redwood tree. It’s situated right next to where Hadwen’s house would have originally stood.
History at Hadwen
The Japanese umbrella pine was first recorded in a 1971 Clark University assessment of the property. Whilst we don’t have records of Hadwen planting any, it’s been documented consistently on the property since the 1970s.
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Detailed Species Information
The Japanese umbrella pine is a coniferous tree in the family Sciadopityaceae endemic to Japan. It is the only living species in the genus Sciadopitys. This evergreen tree is slow-growing but typically can reach up to 25–70 feet (7–21 meters) in height. The reddish bark is shredded in texture. The tree features dense foliage consisting of dark green “needles” arranged in whorls which are made of stem tissue despite functioning as leaves. The cones of the Japanese umbrella pine have flat scales which open to release seeds.
The Japanese umbrella pine prefers rich, well-drained soils and is intolerant to shade and pollution. The wood of the Japanese umbrella pine is not often used for lumber due to the tree’s slow growth rate, but the tree is often used in landscaping as an ornamental due to its unique appearance.