Common Name:
'Icee Blue' yellowood
Family Name:
Podocarpaceae
Botanical Name:
Podocarpus elongatus
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
'Monmal'
Characteristics:
A slow growing evergreen tree reported (by the American Conifer Association) to grow 0.3 m (~1 ft) per year, and eventually reach 5-8 m (15-25 ft) tall with an upright, pyramidal form and bushy habit (1, 2). Leaves are narrow (approximately 1 cm or 3/8 in) wide, 5 cm ( ~2 in) long, light green-blue in color initially, but becoming cool blue-grey with age (1, 2).
Compound:
Geographic Origin:
South Africa
Ecozone Origin:
Afrotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
While the plant is a conifer, it is not in the Taxus genus, as the common name “yew” suggests (3). Most Podocarpus species originate in Asia while Podocarpus elongatus 'Monmal' was selected from a population of Podocarpus elongatus, a species native to the Breede River Valley in the Western Cape South Africa (1, 3). Commonly called Cape Peninsula stone yew or the Breede River yellowwood because its growth is restricted to this region, likely due to the winter-rainfall of the region and its tendency to grow along the edges of rivers or in riverbeds, where it can access residual moisture deep underground in the dry season (1, 3).
The genus Podocarpus references the fleshy stalk or receptacle that holds the seed as the name originates from the Greek words 'podo' meaning "foot" or "footed" and 'karpos' which means "fruit" (1, 3). The specific references the elongated leaves of this plant that distinguish it from other closely related Podocarpus species commonly found in the nursery trade at the time of its discovery and description, though later, Podocarpus henkelii was described with much longer leaves (1).
The ‘Monmal’ cultivar was introduced into the California nursery trade by Monrovia Nursery in 2004 under the trademarked name ‘Icee Blue’ (1, 2, 3). It is described as a seedling selection (2).
Cultivation Notes:
The cultivar can is reported to grow well in sun or shade with moderate water in USDA zones 9-11 though, in drier or hotter climates it will likely do better in partial- to full-shade with more regular watering (1, 2). Be sure to water deeply and frequently during the first growing season so that once roots are established, irrigation needs will be reduced (3). Soil should be higher in organic matter, slightly acidic and well-draining (3). The plant also benefits from application of a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins each spring (3). Prolonged winter temperatures below -4°C (25°F) will likely result in stem tip die-back (1, 2).
Ethnobotany:
The straight species from which this cultivar is derived (yellowwood or P. elongatus) is prized for its wood and is the national tree of South Africa (3). The cultivar is valued as a landscape ornamental specimen tree, hedge, tall screen, windbreak or patio shade due to its dense growth, tall height and distinctive foliage color (1, 2, 3). It is also appreciated as a “low mess” plant near patios, walkways, driveways and pools as it is evergreen and has little leaf drop (1, 2). It is reported to benefit birds, be resistant to deer browsing and tolerate urban pollution (3). While Podocarpus species produce arils that are slightly toxic but edible when consumed in small quantities or when cooked into jams or pies (1, 2). Almost all other parts of the plant, including the stems, leaves, flowers, and pollen contain a toxin that affects humans and potentially dogs (1, 2, 3).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Blue
Function:
Screen
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Toxic
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
Citations:
- SanMarcos Growers https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=4344#:~:text=Podocarpus%20elongatus%20'Monmal'%20is%20a,it%20under%20their%20trademarked%20name. Retrieved Oct. 28, 2025.
- Plant Master https://plantmaster.com/plants/eplant.php?plantnum=157608 Retrieved Oct. 28, 2025.
- Monrovia Nursery https://www.monrovia.com/icee-blue-yellow-wood.html?srsltid=AfmBOopeTM90sWQNY-G9hIIPbl-h1ND8eBnVShgmg_MipaqyQPUj-Mwt Retrieved Oct. 28, 2025.
