Tōtara Podocarpus totara
Tōtara (Podocarpus totara) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Podocarpaceae family, native to New Zealand (endemic). It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
Plan Tōtara in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Tōtara at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Podocarpaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: red fleshy seed stalks (sweet) |
| Native to | New Zealand (endemic) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Tōtara toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Eat only the red fleshy receptacle, not the seed.
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 Tōtara
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Tōtara
- How far apart should I plant Tōtara?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Tōtara need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tōtara need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Tōtara?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- Is Tōtara 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. Eat only the red fleshy receptacle, not the seed.
- What grows well with Tōtara?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tōtara. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
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
- Durable red timber prized for waka (canoes) and carving. Clips well as a hedge; male and female trees.
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
- 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