Pinus thunbergii 'Thunderhead'

Thunderhead Black Pine

Pinus thunbergii ‘Thunderhead’
Thunderhead Japanese Black Pine has thick, glossy green needles and conspicuously pale buds. The light shoot tips contrast strongly with the dark foliage, especially in winter.

Its dense crown develops a billowing, uneven outline and can become nearly as wide as tall. Allow enough space for the broad framework to develop as a specimen.

Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water the root zone during establishment and leave room for the branches to develop.

Approximate garden size
• Width: 12 ft; larger with age
• Height: 15 ft; larger with age
These are planning estimates for an established garden plant, commonly reached in 10–25 years, rather than final mature limits.

Hardiness
• Hardy to USDA Zone 5; local summer conditions also affect suitability.

Best Uses
• Specimen
• Accent Plant

Plant type

Conifer, Evergreen Tree

Height

15 ft+

Width

12 ft+

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Does not flower

Flower color

None

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Soil

Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright, Dense

Bark

Fissured

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

No

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No