Nutmeg yews (Torreya)

Nutmeg yews

Also known as: Nutmeg trees

Nutmeg yews are evergreen conifers native to eastern Asia and North America. They have hard leaves with a sharp spine at the tip of each leaf. They also bear a drupe-shaped fruit. In North America, some species are planted as ornamental conifers.

Scientific classification

Genus

Nutmeg yews (Torreya)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Evergreen

Leaf type

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Nutmeg yews

Species

California nutmeg Chinese nutmeg yew Japanese torreya Florida nutmeg

Quickly Identify Nutmeg yews

Leaves spiral around branches in two flat rows, with sharp tips and parallel waxy bands.

Female cones resemble large drupes with greenish-purple to yellowish fleshy exteriors.

Fruit changes from green to purple, 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches long, enclosing a single edible seed.

Bark is shallowly furrowed, peeling in strips, exhibiting earthy hues like brown or gray.

Varied heights of 16 to 65 feet, presenting as shrub or tree, with monoecious or dioecious forms.

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Care Guide for Nutmeg yews

Every 2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Nutmeg yews thrives in humid, subtropical regions and prefers consistent humidity. Water every 2-3 weeks, letting the soil dry slightly between. Typically grown outdoors, it benefits from mulching to retain moisture during active growth cycles.

Propagation: Propagation of nutmeg yews includes seed sowing and cuttings, requiring ample light, moisture, and well-draining soil. Key steps: collect seeds in autumn, stratify at 5°C (41°F) for three months, sow in spring, and use semi-hardwood cuttings with rooting hormone in summer under humidity and indirect light.

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Learn More About Nutmeg yews

How to Grow and Care

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