RIVER SHE OAK
- An Australian native and hardy to 15 degrees
F, the River She Oak is the largest of the commonly planted Casuarinas,
growing to 75 feet. The tree is also known as the Australian
pine because the needle-like branchlets give it a pine-like appearance.
However, it is not a conifer.
- Tolerates heat, drought, wind and soil alkalinity. A good
choice for the desert, coast and other harsh environments. Roots
can be shallow and aggressive; irrigate deeply and infrequently
to encourage deep rooting.
- Periodically shape and remove dead wood for best appearance.
Females bear small cones.
- C. equisetifolia, the Horsetail Tree, has pendulous branches
and soft effect. Height to 60 feet.
- C. stricta, She Oak, grows quickly to 25-30 feet. Can be
used as a street tree, in parks and large gardens. Darker green
foliage and larger cones (to 1 inch) than C. cunninghamiana.