Pinus parviflora 'Kiyomatsu' / fresh pine

PInus parviflora 'Kiyomatsu' is a dwarf, globose selection of Japanese white pine with dense, symmetrical branching and unusual, shiny, light blue-green needles. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 2 feet (60 cm) tall and wide, an annual growth rate of around 2 inches (5 cm).

This cultivar undoubtedly originated in Japan long ago. Its first mention in the western nursery trade was in the mid-1980s through Günther Horstmann Nursery, Schneverdingen, Germany. Buchholz Nursery of Gaston, Oregon is thought to have been the first to offer it in the U.S.

In the Japanese language, kiyomatsu translates into "fresh pine" in English, probably referring to it's fresh, bright green-blue needles. As in the case of all cultivars in this species, matsu is considered to be redundant and should be dropped from the cultivar name. In the case of this plant, the name Pinus parviflora 'Kiyo' has not gained any traction in this regard.