Japanese Black Pine Thunderhead A striking and unusual Japanese black pine, Pinus thunbergii Thunderhead is a medium-sized (eventually), slow-growing, evergreen, coniferous tree with an irregular, cloud-like crown and an open, branching habit. The paired, glossy green needles, formed at the tips of the stems, are 5”/12cm long. It sometimes produces oval, tapering, brown cones. Japanese black pine Thunderhead is a good tree for architectural, evergreen structure in the smaller or courtyard garden, as a focal point. No pruning needed. Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal exposureSoil: Light, well-drained, acid to neutral soilPosition: Full sunSeason of interest: All yearHardiness: Very hardyHeight: 10’ (3m) Spread: 5’ (1.5m) in 10 years, can grow to 26’/8m in 20-50 years