竹柏屬常綠喬木，原產中國華中、華南，以及臺灣、日本。樹皮常剝落，露出紫紅色新皮。根有根瘤菌共生。革質長卵形或披針形葉對生或近對生，搓揉有芳香味。雌雄異株，雄花序穗狀腋生，雌花單生於葉腋。種子球形，成熟時深紫色被有白粉。開花期春季，種子成熟秋季。

An evergreen tree in the genus Nageia, native to Central China, South China, Taiwan and Japan. The bark often exfoliates and reveals purple-red inner bark. The roots are symbiotic with rhizobia. The leathery long ovate or lanceolate leaves are opposite or nearly opposite and emit a pleasing scent when they are crushed. Dioecious, both are axillary, male inflorescences are spike while female ones are solitary. Spherical-shaped seeds are mature dark purple and coated with white powder. Flowering in spring and seeds mature in autumn.

全日照或半日照溫暖環境，具有耐陰性。微酸性或中性肥沃土壤種植。每季施用一次有機肥或長效性肥料。繁殖採用播種法。

full-sun or partial shade in warm environment, tolerant to shade. Planted in slightly acidic or neutral fertile soil. Apply organic or long-active fertilizers once every season. Seeding is used to propagate.

葉片濃綠，樹形挺拔，是優良景觀樹種，適合叢植、列植或單植。木材可作為建材或製作船舶、家具、器具及工藝品。種仁可食用或榨油作工業用途。種子可播種育成觀賞小盆栽，適合室內擺放欣賞。

The densely green foliage and the straight and tall tree shape make it an excellent landscape tree species, suitable for clustered, row or single planting. The wood can be used as building materials or in the manufacture of ships, furniture, tools and handicrafts. Seeds can be eaten or pressed into oil for industrial use as well as cultivated in small pots as indoor ornamentals.