'Thunderhead' Japanese Black Pine

Thunderhead Pine

'Thunderhead' (Pinus thunbergii) is a choice shrub selection of Japanese Black pine. This medium-sized evergreen shrub conifer grows 10 to 12 feet high and 12 to 15 feet wide (in 10 - 15 years). Its distinctive cottony terminal buds and dark green densely packed needles are strikingly beautiful in the fall-winter landscape.

“Billowy emerald clouds of densely packed needles” best describes the overall look of Thunderhead pine.  Silvery white candles (shoots) grow 10 - 12 inches long in response to warm spring temps.  The candles reach their full length by late May and the long bright green needles enlarge. Branches are rigid and its lower needles are mostly retained.

Disease and pest problems are rare when sited properly in the landscape. Thunderhead is tolerant of moderate wind, drought, and salt spray. Provide shelter from harsh winds to minimize off-color in winter. Availability is primarily from specialty conifer nurseries on-line or regional conifer nurseries.

Desired location is moderately acidic soils that are well-drained and in full to partial sun. Provide a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight. Plant in late winter to early fall from container or balled and burlapped (B&B) stock. Feed annually in late winter with 10-10-10 or equivalent granular fertilizer. Allow 1-2 years to become established after planting; hence forth drought and heat tolerant.


Pruning is rarely necessary except for desired shaping and sizing; cut back new shoot growth (“candles”) between late May to early June before needles are fully expanded.

Thunderhead Japanese black pine a wonderful low maintenance, dark green, evergreen shrub conifer that deserves a place in your landscape.

Katsura Tree

'Pendula' Katsura tree

Hooray! In American gardens Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum  japonicum) is finally becoming more planted as a fine landscape tree. There are a number of great varieties to choose. This medium to large growing tree (height depending on cultivar) commands four-seasons appeal. Rated as a medium-sized 40-60 foot pyramidal, this long-lived majestic specimen may top off at 75 feet in height before its first 100 years. 

Its beautiful heart-shaped soft green summer foliage transforms to purple and gold shades in autumn. After the leaves fall they reveal its lovely symmetrical branching and scaly/shaggy bark. Often, the fall air holds a cinnamon scent reminiscent of cotton candy or a sugar-cookie.

Katsura tree is indigenous to Japan and China where it can grow an incredible 100 feet tall (USDA hardiness zones 4-8). The species is dioecious, e.g. separate male and female trees. The tiny flowers are mostly inconspicuous and small pods with numerous winged seeds are dispersed by female trees in late fall. Katsura tree is also not invasive.

Select Cultivars: some 20 varieties are listed, but I mention only 4 here:

'Pendulum' – lovely weeping form 15 to 25 feet tall and 20 to 25 feet wide. Other weeping forms also lumped as 'Pendula'.

‘Morioka Weeping’ - another weeping form, 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, with more upright growing branches when young and  large leaves.  

‘Red Fox’ (‘Rotfuchs’) – 30-foot pyramidal tree; new spring reddish purple foliage, turns dark bronze-green in summer and orange-bronze fall color.

‘Claim Jumper’ - a relatively new gold-leaved variety that grows 25-30 feet (8-10 m) and 20 feet wide. Leaves emerge with a pink blush and unfurl to soft golden-yellow. Gold leaf color fades away by late summer.

Katsura tree is easily grown in a moist well-drained soil and in full sun to part-shade. Growth rate is equal to a sugar or red maples. Newly planted 1-2 year old trees are particularly prone to leaf scorch. During its first year or two after planting, katsura is susceptible to long dry spells and will need irrigation in periods of no significant rainfall.

Katsura are rarely troubled by serious pests or disease problems. Katsura tree and cultivars are sold at full-service garden centers, but smart gardeners are likely to quickly buy up the inventory. Rare or new cultivars, like some that are listed here, are sold by on-line specialty nurseries.