PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun preferred; tolerates coastal salt spray and partial shade in hot inland areas
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established; water deeply but infrequently, avoid waterlogged soil
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; tolerates high summer heat and coastal wind exposure
Characteristics
- Foliage: Juvenile leaves are needle-like; mature foliage is scale-like, arranged in opposite decussate pairs, gray-green to blue-green
- Cones: Female cones are berry-like, round, ripening from green to brownish-purple over 2–3 years
- Stem/Bark: Young stems are green, maturing to reddish-brown, peeling in thin strips on older plants
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply every 7–10 days during establishment; reduce frequency once mature
Fertilization
Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer once in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive, weak foliage growth
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to improve drainage and add calcium without causing nutrient buildupPruning
- Remove dead or damaged branches in late winter before new growth emerges
- Shape lightly to maintain desired form; avoid heavy pruning of mature wood as it regenerates slowly
- Thin dense foliage to improve airflow and reduce risk of fungal disease
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; foliage may cause mild irritation if ingested in large quantities, but no significant health risk
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes resilience and coastal stability in Mediterranean folklore
Usage: Ornamental for coastal gardens; essential oil from foliage used in aromatherapy and traditional medicine
