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Overview
Torreya nucifera is a slow-growing, dioecious evergreen conifer that reaches 15–30 feet (4.6–9 m) tall and 15–25 feet (4.6–7.6 m) wide in cultivation, and 80–100 feet (24–30 m) in native forests, with a conical to rounded crown and spreading, whorled branches. Needles are linear, 0.8–1.6 inches (2–4 cm) long, stiff, spine-tipped, glossy dark green above, with two narrow pale stomatal bands beneath, and arranged in two flat rows. Bark is gray-brown, shallowly furrowed, and peels in thin strips. Female trees bear plum-like, green seeds with purple streaks, 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long, that ripen over 18 months. Growth is 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) per year, and plants live for several centuries. Hardiness is USDA zones 6–9. Needles are sharp enough to prick skin, and crushed foliage is resinous and aromatic. The wood is pale yellow, close-grained in texture, and resists decay.
Native Range
Torreya nucifera is native to Japan, including central and southern Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, where it grows in moist, mixed forests on mountain slopes at 100–1,000 m elevations. Several specimens in Japan are recorded at more than 1,000 years of age.Suggested Uses
Torreya nucifera is planted as a specimen tree in large gardens, temple grounds, and arboretums, with spacing of 15–20 feet (4.6–6 m) from other trees. Seeds are roasted and eaten, and pressed for oil in Japan, and the wood is used for game boards and carving.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 30'
Width/Spread15' - 25'
Bloom Information
Torreya nucifera is a cone-bearing conifer and does not produce true flowers. Pollen cones form on male trees and release pollen in spring, typically April to May. Seeds on female trees ripen in the second autumn, 18 months after pollination.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark green above, two pale bands beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 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
Torreya nucifera grows in full sun to part shade, with 4–8 hours of direct light, in deep, moist, well-drained soil of pH 5.5–7.0, and tolerates clay and loam. Young plants need 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water weekly in the first 3 years. Hardiness is USDA zones 6–9. Plants grow 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) per year and take 20–30 years to reach 15 feet (4.6 m). A 2–3 inch (5–8 cm) mulch layer limits root drying. Few insect or disease problems are recorded, and wet soil causes root rot. A male and a female tree are needed for seed production.Pruning
No regular pruning is needed. Dead and crossing branches are removed in late winter, and lower limbs are cut when clearance is needed. Plants regrow poorly from old wood, so cuts are confined to branches bearing foliage.Pruning Schedule
Prune: February–March
winter
