Grow in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates some light afternoon shade and some drought. Salt tolerant.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Pinus thunbergii commonly known as Japanese black pine, is noted for its whitish terminal buds that provide interesting contrast with its dark green foliage. In optimum growing conditions, this tree will grow in a generally conical form to 100’ tall, spreading somewhat irregularly with age. In cultivation, it is more often seen in the 20-60’ tall range. Needles (to 4.5” long) in bundles of two are an attractive dark green. Young foliage candles are upright.

Genus name comes from the Latin name for pines.

Specific epithet honors Carl Peter Thunberg, 18-19th century Sweedish physician.

‘Banshosho’ is a slow-growing dwarf cultivar with a flattened top and a broad shrubby habit. It typically grows to only 3’ tall and to 5’ wide over the first 10 years. Annual growth is 2-4”. Key features include light green needles, abundant buds and numerous showy upright spring candles. ‘Banshosho’ is synonymous with and sometimes sold as ‘Banshoho’.