Callicarpa flavescens

Japanese umbrella pine is a slow-growing evergreen that really stands out thanks to its long, flexible needles draping over dense branches. This one-of-a-kind conifer makes an absolutely stunning focal point in the garden.

Common name: Japanese umbrella pine

Botanical name: Sciadopitys verticillata

Origin: Japan. How cool is this — it's considered a "living fossil" dating all the way back to the Late Cretaceous period. It's the sole surviving member of both its genus and its entire family, Sciadopityaceae. All its closest relatives? Found only as fossils. They're gone.

Foliage: Those long, flexible needles flare out in a round whorl — just like the ribs of an umbrella, which is how it gets its name. New needles emerge at the branch tips in a bright, fresh green and darken as they mature. Tucked behind the showy needles are small, scaly leaves you might never notice. There are a few cultivars with golden or variegated needles out there, but they're really hard to track down. In winter, the needles can take on a brownish tint, though the cultivar 'Wintergreen' stays a deep, rich green.

Size and habit: In garden settings, Japanese umbrella pine slowly grows to 25 to 30 feet tall — though in the wild, they can reach three times that height! It grows in a tight, cone-like shape. There are cultivars with slightly different habits, but those tend to be collector's items. 'Wintergreen' is easier to find and has a really impressive narrow form with tight, uniform branching.

Growing Japanese umbrella pine

How to grow it: This evergreen loves full sun and moist but well-drained soil — and it's definitely not a fan of extreme heat. In the colder parts of its range, give it some shelter from harsh winter winds. Like all evergreens, make sure your Japanese umbrella pine goes into winter well-hydrated, and water during any warm winter spells too. USDA Zones 5–8.