Pinus parviflora 'Pygmy Yatsubusa'

Pinus parviflora 'Pygmy Yatsubusa' is an upright, dwarf selection of Japanese white pine with a strong central leader; dense branching, with little need for candle pruning; pronounced foliar buds; particularly in winter; and short, blue-green needles that grow with a slight twist. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 20 inches (50 cm) tall and wide, an annual growth rate of 2 to 3 inches (5 - 7.5 cm).

[Bob Fincham in Small Conifers for Small Gardens] I have come to prefer 'Pygmy Yatsubusa' over other dwarf Japanese white pines for gardens in the Northwest, as it will seldom defoliate in early spring, due to fungal issues brought on by wet winters and early springs.

This cultivar is of unknown origin. Plants in the United States likely all originated from plants in the collections of Bob Fincham or Coenosium Gardens and Joel Spingarn's garden on Long Island, New York.