California Torreya Plant Care

California Torreya (Torreya californica) belongs to the Taxaceae family within the Torreya genus. California Torreya is native to North America. California Torreya is also known as California Nutmeg, Stinking Yew.

California Torreya displays a slow-growing conifer tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. California Torreya produces inconspicuous, non-showy.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted California Torreya every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

California Torreya thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing California Torreya in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Torreya californica tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. California Torreya prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for California Torreya to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed California Torreya every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

California Torreya is suited to USDA Zone 7a – 9b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

California Torreya can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune California Torreya while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

California Torreya is hardy down to USDA zone 7a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes — evergreens keep losing water through their needles all winter, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

California Torreya can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese torreya plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

California Torreya is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

California Torreya grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. California Torreya is native to North America.