*Sciadopitys verticillata

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*Sciadopitys verticillata
UMBRELLA-PINE

Sciadopityaceae
Japan

Location: map coordinates W-15 (west of Tubman Hall, north side of parking lot #10), N 39°11'4'' W 75°32'42''

Planting history: planted 4/18/11; for DSU Tree Campus USA 2011 (1st year of certification). Source: Willey Farms, DE. (Dr. S. Yost, USDA NIFA Capacity Building Grant funds).

Description:
  • small evergreen tree
  • etymology: Sciadopitys from Greek skiados (umbel) and pitys (fir tree); verticillata = whorled (the leaves)
  • common name: “umbrella” for whorled leaves; but not a true pine (i.e. family is Sciadopityaceae, not Pinaceae)
  • “leaves” are probably cladophylls (modified shoots); evergreen (but turn brownish in winter)
  • dioecious (separate male and female plants)
  • “living fossil” - ancient plants, with no close relatives
  • habitat open woods; prefers moist, well-drained soil
  • slow-growing
  • listed as “vulnerable” (“likely to become endangered”) in its native habitat, in Japan

*Non-native species (not native to Delaware)

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