Casuarina
( kaz - yoo - uh - REE - nuh )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of evergreen trees is commonly referred to as Beefwood, Native Pine, or She-Oak, and needs full sun and little to regular water for best performance. These trees look a little like those in the Pinus genus; their jointed branches mimic the look of Pine needles, though their true leaves are inconspicuous. These trees can handle dry or wet soil, salinity, heat and wind, and are hardy down to a temperature of 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Fruits are similar to cones, and range in size from 1/4 inch to 1 inch long depending on the species grown. These trees are useful as shade trees, specimens or street trees, or as groundcovers.
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Casuarina Species and Varietals
Casuarina is the type genus in the plant family Casuarinaceae and includes 14 species. She-Oak trees do best in zones 8, 9, 12-24, H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Casuarina cristata (Belah, Muurrgu, Scaly-Barked Casuarina, Scrub She-Oak, Billa, Ngaree, Bulloak, Swamp Oak) Endemic to eastern Australia's inland regions, this species has fissured or scaly dark greyish-brown bark. Scale needles are dark green and trees typically reach between 33 and 66 feet tall at maturity. |
Casuarina cunninghamiana (River She-Oak, Creek Oak, River Sheoak) This species is the tallest and overall largest species in the genus, and reaches 70 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Branches are dark green, and the tree has a fine texture. Creek Oak is native to Australia and New Guinea, and the species is named for English botanist and plant collector Allan Cunningham. |
Casuarina equisetifolia (Horse-Tail Tree, Coastal She-Oak, Iron Wood, Beach Casuarina, Whistling Tree) This species reaches 40-60 feet tall and 20 feet wide with a fast growth rate. It has greyish green, pendulous branches. These trees are native to India, Australia, New Guinea, and Southeast Asia. Bark is scaly to furrowed. |
Casuarina glauca (Swamp She-Oak, Swamp Buloke, Marsh Sheoak, Grey She-Oak, Native Pine, Guman) Endemic to eastern Australia, this species has fissured, scaly greyish brown bark and often forms root suckers. This species is used as a street tree, windbreak, and harvested for timber in its native range. Roots will invade underground water and sewage pipes within 50 feet of the base of the tree. Variety 'Cousin It' (also called 'Kattang Karpet', pictured) is a prostrate form of the species, and is widely cultivated as a groundcover plant in gardens. |
Casuarina obesa (Swamp She-Oak, Swamp Oak, Western Swamp Oak, Goolee, Kweela, Kwerl, Quilinock) These trees are endemic to southern continental Australia, and forms a small tree or shrubby plant. This species suckers freely, and has drooping to spreading branches. Western Swamp Oak reaches 10-50 feet tall when mature. |
Caring for and pruning casuarina Trees
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 225, Casuarina
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