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The Japanese Black Pine

February 7, 2013

Categories: Tree Spotlight

The Japanese black pine is a distinct pine that stands out in the Pinus family. This densely foliated evergreen produces deep dark green needles that often are so dark they appear black. The Japanese black pine tree reaches mature heights up to 35 feet with a spread that can easily exceed its height. With a high drought tolerance and a medium growth rate, the Japanese black pine is easily cultivated.

Japanese Black Pine can reach the height of 40 m, but rarely achieves this size outside its natural range. The needles are in fascicles of two with a white sheath at the base, 7-12 cm long; female cones are 4-7 cm in length, scaled, with small points on the tips of the scales, taking two years to mature. Male cones are 1-2 cm long borne in clumps of 12-20 on the tips of the spring growth. Bark is gray on young trees and small branches, changing to black and plated on larger branches and the trunk; becoming quite thick on older trunks.

"Twisted bent trunks have the greatest beauty and character."

"Nothing has ever been said about God that hasn’t already been said better by the wind in the pine trees.” – Thomas Merton

" Sir Walter Scott wrote that nothing is more completely the child of art than a garden. It is our humble, simple, and enduring pleasure to give birth to many children of art that find their way into many gardens."

“In his garden, every man may be his own artist without apology or explanation” – Louise Beebe Wilde

“A pine that grows crooked will never straighten its trunk.”

"Only after the last tree has died and the last river poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.” Cree Proverb

"In Japan, the pine tree, or matsu equates to longevity, virtue and youth. It’s also associated with masculinity and power."

"Pine trees with low limbs spread over fresh snow made a stronger vault for the spirit than pews and pulpits ever could." – D. Woodrell

"The aim is to achieve controlled calm by emphasizing space and balance."

Trusted by landscape contractors and garden designers throughout the pacific coast. Bentwood Tree Farm…the “Candy Store” – Masa Mizuno

Using time honored Japanese pruning techniques, Laura and Tom bend and manipulate to release the unique character concealed in each tree.

“In his garden, every man may be his own artist without apology or explanation” – Louise Beebe Wilde

Bentwood pines stand alone as a superb specimen or clumped in groves to tell another story.

For over twenty-five years, Bentwood Pines have found an unique place in West Coast gardens.

Bentwood “macro-bonsai” is to be enjoyed as a potted specimen or as a garden tree.

Many of our pines are uniquely shaped to inspire their natural harsh origins.

Bentwood pines are pruned to uniquely reflect the shapes created by natures energy.

Niwaki Shore Pine with fine textured clouds belongs in every Northwest garden.

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For over twenty-five years, Bentwood Pines have found an unique place in West Coast gardens. Using time honored Japanese pruning techniques, Laura and Tom bend, twist and prune to release the unique character concealed in each tree.