Sciadopitys verticillata, commonly called Japanese umbrella tree, gets its common name from the umbrella-like whorls of needles. It has dense, narrow, conical to pyramidal habit in youth, but tends to open up with age. Attractive reddish brown exfoliating bark is usually well-hidden by the dense foliage.  In cultivation in the U.S., however, it typically matures to 25-30’ tall over many years. It is a very slow grower, usually attaining a height of no more than 4-5’ in the first 10 years.

About Sciadopitys verticillata