Real yellowwood Podocarpus latifolius
Real yellowwood (Podocarpus latifolius) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Podocarpaceae family, native to Afromontane forests of South Africa (national tree). It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 8–12 m (26–39 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -6 °C (21 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Real yellowwood in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Real yellowwood at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Podocarpaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–12 m (26–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -6 °C (21 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: fleshy receptacle (berry-like) |
| Native to | Afromontane forests of South Africa (national tree) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Real yellowwood toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: seeds, leaves
Podocarpus seeds and leaves can upset the stomach (ASPCA lists Podocarpus).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Real yellowwood
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
See Real yellowwood in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Kirstenbosch (6 plants)
Questions about Real yellowwood
- How far apart should I plant Real yellowwood?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–12 m (26–39 ft).
- Does Real yellowwood need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Real yellowwood need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Real yellowwood?
- It tolerates about -6 °C (21 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- Is Real yellowwood poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Podocarpus seeds and leaves can upset the stomach (ASPCA lists Podocarpus).
- What grows well with Real yellowwood?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Real yellowwood. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: gardens and collections, South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Notes and assumptions
- A conifer with broad, strap-like leaves; national tree of South Africa; the canopy of Kirstenbosch's Afromontane forest on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tōtara Podocarpus totara
- Rimu Dacrydium cupressinum
- Yew plum pine (inumaki) Podocarpus macrophyllus
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis