mountain toatoa
Phyllocladus alpinus | mountain celery pine, mountain toatoa
An attractive conifer, it features a symmetrically straight, tapering trunk and flattened stems that function as leaves, eventually producing nut-like black seeds. This very cold-hardy evergreen prefers good soil with consistent moisture and some shelter during establishment, making it a stunning specimen. It's foliage displays distinct juvenile and adult forms it is commonly chosen to add unique texture to mixed plantings, for revegetation projects, screening, or as a backdrop for smaller plants. While extremely slow-growing in exposed mountain habitats (often remaining at 3 meters or less), its growth is considerably faster in sheltered conditions.
typical habitat.
subalpine forest
lower alpine
drainage.
well drained
sun.
full sun
partial shade
mature specifications.
height | 9m
width | 6m / 40cm (trunk)
pollinators calendar.
flowering | October–December
fruiting | January–June
did you know?
It has single leathery, blue-green phylloclades at the ends of short branchlets. These are modified stems that resemble leaves, which is where the name "celery pine" comes from.