Podocarpus macrophyllus
buddhist pine
Japan and China; sea level to 3,300 feet (1,000 m); commonly planted at Buddhist temples
Overview
Podocarpus macrophyllus is Buddhist pine (Japanese yew pine), an upright evergreen coniferous tree growing 20-40 feet (6-12 m) tall and 8-15 feet (2.4-4.6 m) wide. Dark green strap-shaped leaves 3-5 inches (7-13 cm) resembling Taxus spp. foliage, spirally arranged on upright branches. In Podocarpaceae spp.. Macrophyllus = large-leaved. Called Buddhist pine for its long association with Buddhist temple plantings. Dioecious. Female plants produce a single seed on a fleshy blue-purple receptacle. Tolerates shade, humidity, and wide pH range (5.5-7.5). NOT drought-tolerant — consistent moisture required. This moisture requirement is the primary limitation. Limited cold hardiness (zone 7). Tolerates formal shearing. Scale insects are the primary pest. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 7-10. Part shade to full sun or full shade. Growth rate is slow to moderate.
Native Range
Native to Japan and China. Found at sea level to 3,300 feet (1,000 m). Commonly planted at Buddhist temples.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen tree, formal hedge, screen, and in containers of at least 20 gallons (76 L), spaced 8-15 feet (2.4-4.6 m). Tolerates shade and shearing. Not drought-tolerant. Non-toxic. Zones 7-10.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 40'
Width/Spread8' - 15'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Reproduction
Dioecious. Male pollen cones cylindrical, yellowish, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm), at leaf axils in May-June. Female plants produce a single seed on a fleshy blue-purple receptacle 0.5 inch (1.3 cm), ripening in summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark green above, paler below, strap-shaped (linear-lanceolate), 3-5 inches (7-13 cm) long and 0.3-0.5 inch (8-13 mm) wide; the flat strap-shaped leaves resemble Taxus spp. (yew) foliage — hence 'yew pine'; densely arranged spirally on upright branchesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part shade to full sun or full shade (2-10 hours). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5. NOT drought-tolerant — consistent moisture required. Tolerates shade and humidity. Scale insects are the primary pest. Tolerates formal shearing. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 7-10.Pruning
Prune in late spring to summer (May-June) to shape. Tolerates formal shearing as a hedge. The natural upright columnar form requires minimal pruning in informal settings.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 20 gallons