Appearance

Growth form

This evergreen shrub or small tree commonly reaches about 5–10 ft (1.5–3 m) in U.S. gardens.

Leaves

Flat, dark green needles spread along the branches, with two pale bands underneath.

Fruit

Female plants can make plum-like, fleshy seed coverings, but these are not edible fruits.

Look-alikes

Japanese yewTaxus cuspidata

Look for mature seed coverings: Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) has a red, open cup around its seed, while cowtail pine encloses the seed in a fleshy coat. A leaf-only photo may not be enough.

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• shade gardens
• woodland gardens

Range

It is native to eastern Asia and grown in the United States, including the Southeast.

Preferred conditions

In North Carolina, it grows best with some shade in hot summers and well-drained soil.

Life cycle

Reproduction

Male and female cones usually grow on separate plants; a female plant needs pollen from a male plant to make seeds.

Growing it

Care

In Florida gardens, upright Fastigiata and low, spreading Prostrata are grown as different shapes.

Toxicity

The needles and seeds are potentially poisonous if eaten.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

LCLeast Concern·Low risk of extinction