Latest Garden Tree Shape The black pine is botanically known as Pinus thunbergii, and is called so because of dark, almost black-colored bark found on mature trees. The tree can grow up to 45 meters in height, in suitable conditions only. A fast grower, will achieve its optimal height in full sun, and when planted in acidic, rich, moist soils with a pH range of 6 to 6.6. Although, highly tolerant of heat, drought, and strong winds, this tree is susceptible to frost and temperatures below -10° F. The Japanese black pine tree is pest-resistant, but its decline in popularity is caused soil borne, root feeding nematodes that make the tree susceptible to clots.