Trees

Sciadopitys verticillata 'Green Star'

Green Star Japanese umbrella pine

Green Star (syn. Sternschnuppe) Japanese umbrella pine, approximately 12-year specimen at RHS Garden Wisley, September 2022. Photo: Tom Christian / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0

Green Star is a slow-growing Japanese umbrella pine with a sturdy, upright-conical shape. Its thick needles are shorter than those of the species, creating a compact, strongly textured appearance. The distinctive foliage makes it a collector's specimen for a sheltered garden composition, with enough space around the crown to appreciate its unusual needle arrangement.

At a glance

Sun: Partial shade
Size: Height: 6 ft at 10 years; not ultimate size · Width: 3 ft at 10 years
Water: Moist, well-drained soil; avoid drying out
Hardiness: USDA zone 5 minimum

Sizes & prices

#3$150.00

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Form: Upright conical
Growth rate: Slow
Use: Compact evergreen specimen in a sheltered, moist but drained garden.
Fruit / litter: Species-type upright woody cones mature from green to brown over two seasons; cone production varies with maturity.
Major issues: Species guidance: few serious pest or disease problems; protect from cold winds, drought and air pollution.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Partly deer resistant; Colesville rates this cultivar semi-resistant, so browsing is still possible.
Drought: Not drought tolerant; maintain soil moisture.
Wet soil: Moist, well-drained soil preferred.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Evergreen; thick green needles

Growing & care

Soil: Organic-rich, well-drained soil.
Pruning: Very little pruning is needed; retain the slow-growing conical form and remove only damaged growth.

Sources & photo credits

Broken Arrow Nursery

kiginursery.com

University of Minnesota Extension

NC State Extension

Colesville Nursery

Photo: Tom Christian / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web. · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Green Star (syn. Sternschnuppe) Japanese umbrella pine, approximately 12-year specimen at RHS Garden Wisley, September 2022. Photo: Tom Christian / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.