Friday, February 4, 2011

Sciadopitys verticillata

When I was entering the sculpture garden this week, from the southwest, I had to give this plant a quick doubletake.  I had first assumed it was a long needled species of Picea, but no, it was Sciadopitys verticillata, or umbrella pine. 

Umbrella pines are rarely found in public areas.  Indeed when I teach this plant to my students at Columbia, I'm limited to showing them a very sad, very runty tree in the pinetum of Central Park which has surely not grown an inch in my five years of teaching. So when I do find such a lovely specimen, I get excited about it. 


Not all specimens grow as slowly as the one in Central Park.  At best, they can manage a tiny bit of growth - perhaps 6" a year.  This of course means they are fairly expensive. I'm curious what lead to this selection then, back in the early 90's.  At best, this plant has only grown 10' and I can't imagine that a 20' specimen was installed.  Perhaps it was transplanted on-site?  If anyone remembers if Sciadopitys was at the sculpture garden before the renovation, please let me know!

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