Podacarpus

Description:

The yew pine is an upright to somewhat oval shrub or small tree. Podocarps are gymnosperms like pines, spruces and cycads. They have needlelike leaves that are flat and a lustrous dark green. Catkin-like structures on male plants produce pollen. Scaly ovules on females are small and inconspicuous. These produce small blue fruits that are attractive against the dark foliage but are mildly toxic and should not be eaten. This is an excellent woody foliage shrub, and may be trimmed or shaped into round or square columns or cones. Although it has a moderate to slow rate of growth, it can become very large if left alone to grow undisturbed. Specimens on the campus of Florida State University are easily 20 ft (6.1 m). This large shrub or tree can reach 30-40 ft (9.1-12.2 m) in height with about half that in spread.

Location:

Native to Japan and southern China. Widely used in gardens and landscapes in compatible climates throughout the world.

Likes fertile, well drained soil. A faster growth rate can be achieved with regular feeding for the first few years. Use mulch to keep grass from growing under shrubs.

Light: Shade to sun.
Moisture: Fertile, well drained soil preferred but yew pine is tolerant of many types except for those that are constantly wet.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 8-10. Good coastal plant; tolerates salt spray and withstands heat!
Propagation: Hardwood cuttings; easy to root. Seeds may take two years to germinate! Volunteer seedlings often appear in the shade of well mulched female individuals.

Features:

If you are doing a black garden, yew pine's dark, shiny, needlelike foliage is the perfect addition. All yew pines are upright growers but the variety 'Maki' is even more so. It also does not grow as tall as the species and has longer, more graceful foliage.

Sometimes used in flower arrangements (especially funeral baskets), yew pine foliage lasts a long time when cut. Leaves hang on even when dry, and a bowl full of greenery can be handsome for months, even after it turns brown! This durable and beautiful plant is virtually pest and disease free and is highly recommended.