This cultivar of Japanese Red Pine reaches a height of 20 to 30 feet, but grows very slowly and is often seen much smaller. Needles are arranged in pairs and remain on the tree for about three years. A distinguishing feature of this tree is the upright, spreading branching habit which is uncommon in the Pine genus. The bark is unusually striking showing reddish-orange as it exfoliates. The form is compact and the tree stays small making it ideally suited for the residential yard. It can be used as a screen planted in mass or in a row, or alone as a specimen. Needles may turn yellowish during winter on some soils.

The tree prefers a site with full sun and a well-drained, slightly acid soil. Heavy clay soil is not suitable. This cultivar must be grafted for propagation. There are a few other cultivars: ‘Alboterminata’ -
yellowish needle tips; ‘Aurea’ - yellow needles; ‘Oculis-draconis’ - Dragon’s Eye Pine - two yellow lines on needles.

This tree is usually pest-free, with occasional scale, but the list of potential problems is long. Diseases Some of its diseases are needle blight and rusts. Canker diseases may cause dieback of landscape Pines. Keep trees healthy and prune out the infected branches. Needle cast is common on small trees and plantation or forest trees. Infected needles yellow and fall off.