Yew plum pine (inumaki) Podocarpus macrophyllus
Yew plum pine (inumaki) (Podocarpus macrophyllus) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Podocarpaceae family, native to Southern Japan and southern China. It grows 6–15 m (20–49 ft) tall and 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan Yew plum pine (inumaki) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Yew plum pine (inumaki) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Podocarpaceae |
| Mature height | 6–15 m (20–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern Japan and southern China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Yew plum pine (inumaki) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: seeds, leaves
Listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs (vomiting, diarrhoea). The purple fleshy stalk under the seed is eaten in Japan, but the seed itself is poisonous.
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 Yew plum pine (inumaki)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Yew plum pine (inumaki)
- How far apart should I plant Yew plum pine (inumaki)?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft).
- Does Yew plum pine (inumaki) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Yew plum pine (inumaki) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Yew plum pine (inumaki)?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- Is Yew plum pine (inumaki) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs (vomiting, diarrhoea). The purple fleshy stalk under the seed is eaten in Japan, but the seed itself is poisonous.
- What grows well with Yew plum pine (inumaki)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Yew plum pine (inumaki). 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).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Strap-like dark needles; clipped into hedges, columns and cloud-pruned (niwaki) trees. Male and female plants are separate.
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
- Rimu Dacrydium cupressinum
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis