Hollywood Juniper / Pom-Pom Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Torulosa' · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental, Topiary, Specimen Tree
Variety / Cultivar
'Torulosa' (also known as 'Kaizuka')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 5 through 9; highly tolerant of heat, wind, and coastal salt spray.
About This Tree
An upright evergreen with a naturally twisted, irregular growth habit often sculpted into 'pom-poms' or cloud-pruned (Niwaki). It features dense, tufted foliage and a rugged, artistic form. This specific specimen has been heavily pruned into a multi-tiered topiary form.
Leaf Characteristics
Scale-like, imbricated adult foliage that is dark green and prickly to the touch; juvenile foliage may be more needle-like. Arranged in tight, rope-like swirls on the branches.
Bark Characteristics
Thin, fibrous, and reddish-brown to grayish-brown bark that peels or shreds in long, narrow longitudinal strips as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to East Asia (China, Japan, Mongolia); widely adapted to North American coastal and urban landscapes.
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen growth; produces inconspicuous cones (berries) in late spring; essentially dormant in winter but retains foliage color.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6+ hours); low to moderate water needs once established; highly drought-tolerant and performs best in well-drained soils.
Mature Size
Naturally 15-30 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide, but often maintained smaller via pruning. Slow to moderate growth rate; can live 50-150 years.
Special Characteristics
Salt tolerant, pollution tolerant, and deer resistant. Highly valued for coastal landscaping and Japanese-style gardens. Note: This specimen shows 'winter burn' or interior browning, common in junipers after extreme cold or drought.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides year-round dense cover and nesting sites for small birds. Female plants produce fleshy, berry-like cones that serve as a winter food source for various bird species.