Podocarpus nivalis 01.jpeg
Podocarpus nivalis 04.jpeg
Podocarpus nivalis 03.jpeg
Podocarpus nivalis 01.jpeg
Podocarpus nivalis 04.jpeg
Podocarpus nivalis 03.jpeg

Podocarpus nivalis | Snow Totara

$0.00

DESCRIPTION
Podocarpus nivalis, known as snow tōtara, is a low, spreading evergreen conifer with dense foliage. Short, thick leaves sit close along the stems, olive green and often flushed bronze or reddish in cold weather. Branchlets can root where they touch the ground, forming interwoven mats over rocks, banks, and walls.

Native to alpine regions of New Zealand’s North and South Islands, Podocarpus nivalis grows on exposed slopes and rocky grassland. Male pollen cones appear from spring into early summer, followed by fleshy seed-bearing structures that linger on the plant. Its compact habit, foliage color, and tolerance of wind and cold suit rock gardens, troughs, and small landscapes.

DESCRIPTION
Podocarpus nivalis, known as snow tōtara, is a low, spreading evergreen conifer with dense foliage. Short, thick leaves sit close along the stems, olive green and often flushed bronze or reddish in cold weather. Branchlets can root where they touch the ground, forming interwoven mats over rocks, banks, and walls.

Native to alpine regions of New Zealand’s North and South Islands, Podocarpus nivalis grows on exposed slopes and rocky grassland. Male pollen cones appear from spring into early summer, followed by fleshy seed-bearing structures that linger on the plant. Its compact habit, foliage color, and tolerance of wind and cold suit rock gardens, troughs, and small landscapes.

  • Family: Podocarpaceae
    Height: 6 to 30 in
    Width: 4 to 10 ft
    Foliage color: Dense, leathery evergreen leaves; olive to mid-green
    Flower color: None; produces small cones, not flowers
    Bloom (Cone) time: Spring; generally inconspicuous
    Light requirements: Full sun to light shade
    Water requirements: Moderate
    Maintenance: Low; little or no pruning needed
    Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 9
    Wildlife attractors: Dense foliage offers year-round shelter for small birds and wildlife; pollen and fleshy seed cones may provide food for some birds and small mammals

    This plant can be seen at the Washington Park Arboretum.

    Print Information

    Buy Plants

  • Works Well In:
    ‍ ‍ ● Sun Gardens
    ‍ ‍ ● Rock Gardens
    ‍ ‍ ● Slopes & Banks
    ‍ ‍ ● Bird Gardens

    Companion Plants:
    Salvias Bottlebrush
    Blazing star Maiden grass
    Candytuft Daisy bush

    Design Tip:
    Snow totara looks especially attractive spilling over rocks or along a slope, where its low, spreading branches can soften hard edges. Its olive-green foliage develops bronze and reddish tones in colder weather, adding welcome color to the winter garden.