Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii) “Twisty,”
Each one hand-wired to set bold movement and personality. These come in two styles: Tighties, with sharper, compact bends for smaller, high-impact trees, and Loosies, with longer, more flowing curves that lend themselves to elegant, upright designs. Every tree develops its own character, so no two Twisties grow out the same even within the same variant.
Species Description
Japanese black pine is one of the most iconic conifers in bonsai, known for its rugged bark, strong growth, and classic two-needle foliage. It develops powerful trunks and striking bark texture with age, offering a bold, traditional look. With proper training, it produces dense foliage pads and refined branch structure while retaining its strong, masculine character.
Care Notes
Cold-hardy to Zone 5; requires winter dormancy and should be kept outdoors year-round
Prefers full sun for compact growth and healthy needle development
Moderate water needs, best with consistent moisture but well-drained soil
Responds well to candle pruning and careful pinching to balance vigor and refine foliage
Known for its rugged bark and long lifespan, making it a cornerstone species for traditional bonsai
Note, these are currently in training and the wire should be left on until Spring/Summer 2026.
Japanese Black Pine 'Twisties'
As part of their training for future bonsai, our starters and stock trees are periodically pruned or trunk-chopped to encourage strong structure and desirable growth. If you’re purchasing for landscape use and prefer trees that have not been recently pruned or chopped, feel free to contact us before ordering to check the current status of the species you’re interested in!