Ponderosa Pine vs Japanese Black Pine - TreeTime.ca

Ponderosa Pine vs Japanese Black Pine

Pinus thunbergii

Pinus ponderosa

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Japanese Black Pine
Ponderosa Pine

Japanese Black Pine is known for its unique and irregular growth habit, making it a striking landscape addition. It typically does not grow with a central leader. This causes it to form a flat-top, classic bonsai-like shape when mature. When it has a central leader, it will grow with a twisted trunk. Another striking feature is the white apical buds which contrast with the surrounding green needles.

The Japanese Black Pine is an excellent candidate for a bonsai tree and is frequently used by the bonsai community. It is found along the Japanese coast and is salt tolerant.

Ponderosa Pine is the tallest known pine in North America. This popular evergreen has distinctive, textured bark and long needles.

This makes it an excellent ornamental tree for landscaping on large properties. Ponderosa Pine is hardy in a variety of soil conditions.

Japanese Black Pine Quick Facts

Ponderosa Pine Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 30 m (98 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: black pine, green pine, japanese pine, pinus thunbergiana, thunberg pine
Other Names: big pine, black jack pine, bull pine, heavy pine, ponderosa white pine, sierra brownbark pine, western longleaf pine, western pitch pine, western red pine, western yellow pine, yellow pine