PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; highly tolerant of coastal salt spray and windy conditions
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established; water deeply and infrequently to promote deep root growth
Temperature
Hardy to light frost; tolerates hot, dry coastal summers and cool winter temperatures
Characteristics
- Leaf: Scale-like, overlapping leaves in whorls of three; blue-green to silvery-grey foliage
- Cones: Woody globular female cones (1–2 cm diameter) with six thick scales; small yellowish male cones
- Stem/Bark: Fibrous reddish-brown bark that peels in thin, papery strips
Care Guide
Watering
Water every 7–10 days during prolonged dry spells; avoid waterlogging
Fertilization
Apply slow-release low-phosphorus fertilizer once at the start of growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells to fine powder; sprinkle lightly around the base of the tree; water thoroughly to release calcium into the soilPruning
- Lightly trim new growth in late spring to maintain conical or columnar form
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Avoid heavy pruning of old wood as it has limited regrowth capacity
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental coastal landscaping; windbreak for coastal properties; erosion control on sand dunes
