Pinus densiflora ‘Umbraculifera’ (19/09/2014, Central Park, Manhattan, New York)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Early spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 7m
Eventual Spread: 8m
Hardiness: 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a
Family: Pinaceae
Pinus densiflora ‘Umbraculifera’ is a slow growing evergreen coniferous tree with a spreading, umbrella like habit . Its dark green leaves are needle like, arranged in bundles of 2 and are up to 12cm long. Its rust red bark flakes off to reveal an orange red inner layer. Its fruit is an oval cone which is up to 5cm long.
Pinus densiflora ‘Umbraculifera’ Leaf (19/09/2014, Central Park, Manhattan, New York)
The species Pinus densiflora, commonly known as Japanese Red Pine, is native to Japan, Korea, north east China and south east Russia. In its native habitat it grows in mixed forest in low mountains and hillsides. Pinus densiflora ‘Umbraculifera’, commonly known as the Tanyosho Pine or Tabletop Pine, is a slow growing dwarf variety of the species.
The etymological root of the binomial name Pinus is the old classical name for ‘Pine tree’. Densiflora is derived from the Latin denso meaning ‘crowded together’ and flora meaning ‘flower’.
The landscape architect may find Pinus densiflora ‘Umbraculifera’ useful as an attractive compact conifer tree with a spreading habit.
Pinus densiflora ‘Umbraculifera’ Bark (19/09/2014, Central Park, Manhattan, New York)
Ecologically, Pinus densiflora ‘Umbraculifera’, is of little value to UK wildlife.
Pinus densiflora ‘Umbraculifera’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil, although it prefers a slightly acidic soil. It dislikes wet soils.
Pinus densiflora ‘Umbraculifera’ requires little maintenance.