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 during prolonged dry periods, especially for young trees
Temperature
Hardy to light frost (-5°C); thrives in temperate to subtropical coastal climates
Characteristics
- Leaf: Reduced to tiny scale-like structures arranged in whorls around jointed, photosynthetic stems
- Flower: Male flowers are small yellow cylindrical catkins; female flowers develop into rounded, woody red-brown cones
- Stem: Jointed, green, needle-like branchlets that perform photosynthesis in place of true leaves
Care Guide
Watering
Water young trees regularly to establish roots; mature trees require minimal supplemental watering
Fertilization
Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once at the start of growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth
Eggshell powder top-dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder, sprinkle lightly around the base of the tree, and water in to release nutrients graduallyPruning
- Remove dead or damaged branchlets in late winter to maintain tree shape and improve airflow
- Thin dense inner growth to reduce wind resistance in coastal areas
- Trim lower branches to create a clear trunk for formal landscape use
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No recorded toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Coastal windbreak, wetland stabilization, ornamental landscape tree
