Plant Profile: Podocarpus macrophyllus

This evergreen conifer shrub, which can also take the form of a narrow, conical tree, thrives in coastal North Carolina, reaching heights of up to 6.5 feet, while its tree variant can grow as tall as 50 feet. In colder climates, it serves well as a container plant, easily brought indoors during winter. Its adaptability to pruning makes it a popular choice for topiary designs. With its ability to thrive in low light, it can flourish as a houseplant in well-lit spaces, often found in commercial settings like offices and shopping malls beneath skylights. In regions where it can withstand winter, it is commonly cultivated as a substantial hedge or privacy screen. The foliage emits a pleasant fragrance when crushed, and it can also be utilized as a specimen or background plant.

This species prefers rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained, and fertile soils, thriving in full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate some shade, it does not fare well in overly wet conditions. It enjoys moderate humidity and exhibits a slow growth rate. Additionally, it is salt-tolerant, drought-resistant, and can withstand some heat. Although it does not produce flowers, it features elongated yellowish pollen cones, light blue fleshy seeds, and enlarged red stalks. While the fleshy red arils are safe to eat, the round seeds, which may attract children due to their fruit-like appearance, are toxic. Fortunately, this plant is largely free from serious pest or disease issues and is resistant to deer.

Indoor specimens may occasionally develop scale, and chlorosis, or yellowing of leaves, can occur in alkaline soils.

**Quick Identification Tips:**
The plant poses only low toxicity if ingested, with children potentially drawn to the fleshy seeds that resemble fruit.