Afrocarpus falcatus
African Fern Pine
Description
African Fern Pine (Afrocarpus falcatus), also known as Podocarpus gracilior, is commonly found in Southern California. This evergreen tree can reach 50’-70’ tall and 30’ wide and has a moderate to fast growth habit. It will require very little shaping when it is young, but once it is too tall to prune from the ground, it should be left to a licensed arborist to shape and manage the size. This tree likes regular irrigation, well-draining acidic soil, and nitrogen fertilizer. This species should be planted at least three feet away from any hardscape areas and structures, such as houses and buildings, and not near any powerlines. It should be irrigated for about 30 minutes, twice a week, when using most in-line drip irrigation systems.
Plant Type
Tree, Conifer
Height Range
40-60', 60-100'
Flower Color
n/a
Flower Season
n/a
Leaf Color
Blue Green, Grey Green, Silver
Bark Color
Grey
Fruit Color
Green, Purple
Fruit Season
Fall
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Medium
Growth Rate
Fast, Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam
Soil Condition
Average, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid
Adverse Factors
Messy
Design Styles
Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish
Accenting Features
Espalier, Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Background, Park, Walls / Fences
Special Uses
Hedge, Screen, Topiary, Shade Tree
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water between sunset and sunrise when temperatures and wind are the lowest.