Rimu Dacrydium cupressinum
Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Podocarpaceae family, native to New Zealand (endemic). It grows 20–40 m (66–131 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -6 °C (21 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Rimu in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Rimu at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Podocarpaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 m (66–131 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -6 °C (21 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | New Zealand (endemic) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Rimu toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
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 Rimu
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Rimu
- How far apart should I plant Rimu?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Rimu need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Rimu need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Rimu?
- It tolerates about -6 °C (21 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- Is Rimu poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Rimu?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Rimu. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network: flora, NZPCN
- Flora of New Zealand and Ngā Tipu Whakaoranga (Māori plant use), Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
Notes and assumptions
- Graceful weeping juvenile foliage, lovely as a young garden specimen; its mast fruiting years drive kākāpō breeding.
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
- Real yellowwood Podocarpus latifolius
- Tōtara Podocarpus totara
- 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