Source: Wikimedia Commons
Azuma goyo (northern Japanese white pine)
BeginnerPinus parviflora var. pentaphylla
A trade name for white pine from around Mt. Azuma, Fukushima—one of Japan's three great goyomatsu. It belongs to the northern variety (var. pentaphylla), with somewhat longer needles and conspicuous white lines beneath. A regional strain, not a registered cultivar.
About
Azuma goyo is the trade name for white pine from around Mt. Azuma near Fukushima City, counted with Nasu and Shikoku goyo among Japan's three great goyomatsu. It is a regional strain, not a registered cultivar. The name Pinus parviflora var. pentaphylla refers to the northern variety (kita-goyo), native to Hokkaido and central to northern Honshu on rocky slopes and ridges; GBIF accepts it as a variety of P. parviflora. Its needles, in fives, are about 3–8 cm, a little longer than the southern type, and whitish beneath so the tree looks silvery. Bonsai growers describe the northern type as darker green, longer and slightly twisted with white lines underneath, while the southern type from Shikoku and Chugoku is paler, shorter and more open. Needle character also changes with cultivation, and intermediate plants are common. It is very cold-hardy, fairly tolerant of wind and drought, holds its shape well and suits beginners. It is sold from mini group plantings to medium-size bonsai.
Size of the Azuma goyo (northern Japanese white pine)
The Azuma goyo (northern Japanese white pine) grows to Var. pentaphylla reaches about 25 m tall and 80 cm in trunk diameter (bonsai: mini to medium).
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (named for the Mt. Azuma area, Fukushima; var. pentaphylla ranges over Hokkaido and central-northern Honshu)
Lifespan
Japanese white pine is considered longer-lived than black or red pine
Size
Var. pentaphylla reaches about 25 m tall and 80 cm in trunk diameter (bonsai: mini to medium)
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (solid feed spring to early autumn)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Outdoors in full sun and good airflow; poor light dulls the needles and weakens branches
Watering
Keep slightly dry: water thoroughly once the surface dries and avoid constantly wet soil
Temperature & overwintering
Northern type, extremely cold-hardy. As a mountain pine it suffers in summer heat—keep it cool in midsummer
Soil & repotting
Akadama-based mix with grit for drainage; repot young trees about every 3 years
Fertilizer
Solid fertilizer monthly from April to September, skipping the rainy season and midsummer
Pruning & styling
Pinch candle buds before they extend to balance vigor; wire in dormancy, pull old needles in autumn
Pests & cautions
Watch for aphids, woolly aphids and needle cast. Traits vary by plant under a regional name. Buy nursery-grown stock, not wild-dug trees
Azuma goyo (northern Japanese white pine) FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Azuma goyo (northern Japanese white pine)?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Azuma goyo (northern Japanese white pine) get?
The mature size of Azuma goyo (northern Japanese white pine) is Var. pentaphylla reaches about 25 m tall and 80 cm in trunk diameter (bonsai: mini to medium). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Azuma goyo (northern Japanese white pine)?
Azuma goyo (northern Japanese white pine): watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (solid feed spring to early autumn). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Azuma goyo (northern Japanese white pine)?
The price of Azuma goyo (northern Japanese white pine) varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. 'Azuma goyo' is a regional strain name, not a variety registered under the Plant Variety Protection Act. Choose cultivated rather than wild-collected plants.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Find listings for this species
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