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.