#95
Accession Number: 0095-0000
Common Name: Dragon’s Eye Japanese Red Pine
Latin Name: Pinus densiflora ‘Oculus Draconis’
Family: Pinaceae (Pine Family)
Native Range: ‘Oculus draconis’ is a selected cultivar, but the species is native to Eastern temperate Asia
Height: 20–40 feet
Spread: 15–20 feet
Bloom Description: Non-flowering
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4
Light Preference: full sun
Water Needs: Medium
Notes: Tolerates deer, drought
Description: Japanese Red Pine is perhaps the most common tree in Japan. A medium-sized, irregular-form conifer, the Dragon’s Eye cultivar, ‘Oculus draconis’, is the most common of several variegated cultivars available. It gets its truly unique looks from the coloration of the long needles, which are green with distinct bands of yellow. When viewed from the tip of the branch, it is said to have an effect resembling the eye of a dragon, hence the cultivar name. The color variegation is not noticeable on new growth, but becomes more distinct throughout the summer. In the winter, the needles may yellow or become more muted in color. As they age, the trunks also feature peeling, orange bark. Susceptible to wind damage.
