Yellow Silver Pine
Lepidothamnus intermedius

Family: Podocarpaceae

What it is like

Lepidothamnus intermedius is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 10

Where it is found

Lowland, montane and sub-alpine forests, often in bog forests, southwards from latitude 35°s on North, South and Stewart Islands.

New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Wood - straight grained, firm, yellowish, resinous, very durable. Used for boat building, telegraph poles etc.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Requires a light, freely draining soil in a sheltered position with protection from cold winds. Requires high rainfall and humidity if it is to succeed. It tolerates shade and probably requires it in drier areas if the tree is to survive. Requires warm summers if it is to grow well, and even then it is very slow growing. Plants grow much taller in their native habitat than they do in Britain. This species is only hardy in the milder areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a freely draining compost in a cold frame. It usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 20°c. Another report says that the seed can be very slow to germinate and that it is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings in early autumn.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Dacrydium intermedium. T.Kirk.