PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers dappled shade or partial sun; avoid prolonged direct summer sunlight to prevent needle scorch
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; thrives in cool temperate climates; avoid extreme heat above 28°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Flat, dark green needles (1–3 cm long) arranged in two flattened rows on stems
- Fruit: Fleshy, bright red aril surrounding a single toxic brown seed
- Stem: Thin, scaly brown bark; dense, low-branching growth habit
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain even soil moisture; add mulch to retain water
Fertilization
Diluted acidic fertilizer once every 2 months. Use low-nitrogen, acidifying fertilizer to support needle health
Composted coffee grounds tea：Use fully composted coffee grounds diluted 1:20 with water for root drench; avoid raw grounds to prevent mold and pH imbalancePruning
- Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches in late winter before new growth
- Thin dense foliage to improve airflow and light penetration
- Avoid heavy pruning; slow growth rate limits rapid recovery
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion of any non-aril parts can cause sudden cardiac arrest, vomiting, or difficulty breathing
Humans: All plant parts except the red fleshy aril contain taxine alkaloids; ingestion causes cardiac and nervous system dysfunction
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Associated with longevity and mourning in some Pacific Northwest Indigenous cultures
Usage: Historically used for traditional bow making; source of taxol, a cancer treatment drug
