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Form
Variable, from spire-like to pyramidal with horizontal branches
spreading in whorls, stiff and twiggy. With age, the branches spread
and become loose.
Leaves
Small and scattered on the shoot, but crowded on the ends with
a whorl of 20 – 30 flat leaves, 2 – 5" long. The
dark green thick needles radiate around the stem creating the umbrella
effect.
Fall Color
Evergreen.
Stem/Buds/Bark
Green, stout, flexible becoming brown, striated, with protuberances
on the stem. Thin, smooth bark, reddish brown, exfoliating in long
strips.
Flowers
Male – 1" long. Female – solitary, terminal and
subtended by a small bract.
Fruit
Oblong cones which are upright, 2 – 4" long, 1 –
2" wide. Green cones the first year ripening to brown the second
year. Each scale bears 5 – 9 winged seeds.
Landscape Uses
Unusual texture and foliage effect is useful in foundation plantings,
rock gardens, borders. .
Major Landscape Features
Unusual texture and foliage. Can be used as a highlight or focal
point in the landscape.
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Hardiness Range
4 – 8
Native Habitat
Valley of Kiso-gawa and Koyo-san, Hondo, Japan
Height
20 – 30 feet
Growth Rate
Slow
Spread
15 – 20 feet
Exposure
Sunny
Culture
Prefers rich, moist, acid soils and open locations. Needs
protection from wind and likes late afternoon shade.
Pest Problems
Insects – None.
Diseases – None.
Cultivars
‘Pendula’– Pendulous branches. This cultivar
is not readily available.
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