Water deeply, then allow the upper several inches of soil to dry. Irrigate regularly during establishment and provide supplemental deep watering during Phoenix summers; containers need more frequent checks.
Mildly toxic to pets if ingested (foliage/berry-like cones cause GI upset)
Care Instructions
Light: Full sun; in Phoenix, favor morning sun with some late-afternoon shade and avoid intense reflected heat from west-facing walls.
Water: Water deeply, then allow the upper several inches of soil to dry. Irrigate regularly during establishment and provide supplemental deep watering during Phoenix summers; containers need more frequent checks.
Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil; tolerates alkaline conditions. Avoid persistently wet soil and planting sites with poor drainage.
Mature size: Typically 10–12 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide if unrestrained; spiral specimens are often maintained smaller through regular clipping.
Bloom: Produces small reproductive cones rather than flowers, generally releasing pollen in late winter or spring.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Slow to moderate, commonly about 6–12 inches per year depending on conditions and pruning.