Japanese Umbrella Pine Seeds | Sciadopitys Verticillata | Rare Evergreen Conifer for Ornamental Landscaping
Japanese Umbrella Pine Seeds | Sciadopitys Verticillata | Rare Evergreen Conifer for Ornamental Landscaping
Timeless. Rare. Prehistoric elegance.
Sciadopitys verticillata, the Japanese Umbrella Pine, is a living relic—sole survivor of its plant family for over 200 million years. Its glossy, dark-green needles radiate in perfect whorls like the spokes of an umbrella, creating a striking sculptural form unlike any other conifer. Slow to grow but enduring for centuries, it’s a collector’s treasure for arboretums, gardens, and landscapes seeking a touch of ancient grace.
- Native to Japan and revered as a cultural and botanical icon
- Unique umbrella-like needle clusters and dense, pyramidal form
- Extremely slow-growing yet exceptionally long-lived
- Prized as an ornamental rarity and living fossil
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Sciadopitys verticillata
- Stratification: Required (90–120 days cold stratification)
- USDA Zones: 5–8
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Mature Size: 30–40 ft tall × 10–20 ft wide
- Growth Rate: Very slow
- Packet Sizes: 5, 10, 25, 40, or 100 seeds
FAQ
How fast does Japanese Umbrella Pine grow?
Very slowly—just a few inches per year. But with patience, it will reward you with unmatched longevity and beauty.
Is it really that rare?
Yes. It is the only living species in its entire plant family, making it a true botanical rarity and conversation piece.
Where does it grow best?
In cool, temperate climates with moist, slightly acidic soils. It thrives in dappled light or full sun with protection from extreme heat.
Related Seeds
- Bristlecone Pine Tree Seeds (Pinus longaeva)
- Colorado Blue Spruce Tree Seeds (Picea pungens)
- Eastern Hemlock Tree Seeds (Tsuga canadensis)
Evergreen Seed Co. is trusted by growers nationwide for rare, resilient, and high-germination tree seeds. Each batch is carefully sourced, tested, and packaged with full planting instructions.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
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