PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full to partial sun; tolerates partial shade to avoid prolonged hot afternoon sun in arid regions
Watering
Water deeply once weekly during active growth; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; prefers cool to temperate temperatures; avoid extreme heat above 38°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Flat, dark green, needle-like leaves arranged in two ranks; 2–4 cm long with a sharp, pointed tip
- Cone: Female cones are fleshy, olive-green to brown, resembling nutmeg fruits; 2–3 cm long
- Stem/Bark: Mature bark is reddish-brown, furrowed and scaly; young stems are green and smooth
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply when the top 10–15 cm of soil dries out
Fertilization
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring. Use a fertilizer formulated for evergreen trees to support foliage health
Composted oak leaf mulch：Apply a 5–7 cm layer of fully composted oak leaf mulch around the base in early spring; avoid direct contact with the trunk to prevent bark rotPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches in late winter before new growth emerges
- Thin crowded inner branches to improve airflow and light penetration
- Shape young trees to encourage a strong central leader; avoid heavy pruning of mature specimens
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tremors
Humans: Contains alkaloids in seeds; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental landscape tree; durable wood used for crafting small items
