Podocarpus acutifolius

Common Name: Needle-leaved Totara

Description:
Podocarpus acutifolius, commonly known as Needle-leaved Totara, is a dense, slow-growing evergreen conifer native to New Zealand. It features fine, sharp, dark green needle-like foliage and a naturally bushy, compact habit, making it an excellent choice for hedging, screening, or specimen planting. This hardy species thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun to part shade. Tolerant of frost, wind, and dry conditions once established, it is a low-maintenance plant suitable for a range of garden styles. Its strong, durable wood has been historically valued for construction.

Form:

• Shrub - Medium
• Suitable for Hedging

Mature Size:

• Height: 2–4 m
• Width: 1.5–3 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Does not flower (produces small seed cones)

Flower Colour:

• N/A

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Hedging
• Suitable for Screening
• Drought Tolerant (once established)
• Low Maintenance
• Cold Hardy
• Wind Tolerant

Toxicity:

• Non-toxic to humans
• Non-toxic to pets

Companion Plants:

• Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu)
• Corokia cotoneaster (Wire Netting Bush)
• Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax)
• Olearia paniculata (Golden Akeake)
• Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)