Casuarina  cunninghamiana

Common Name: River She-oak

Height: 12-30 metres

Spread: 10 metres

Habit: Tall, pine-like tree.

Family: Casuarinaeae

Origin/Habitat: Common along freshwater streams of NSW near coast and inland slopes.

Foliage: Branchlets dark green, straight; leaf-teeth 6-10 in whorls 4-9mm apart.

Flowers: Reddish brown flowers in autumn. Male flower spikes about 2cm in length.

Other features for identification: Very small cones, to 1cm in length. 

Soil preferences: Fertilise at plant out with 10gm of 18:2.6:10 N.P.K slow release.

Cultural tolerances: Will grow from tropical to highlands zones in most soils. Requires full sun and year round watering. Tender to salt winds and saline soils; moderately resistant to drought; resistant to frost. Wind tolerance – can be placed in the front line of a windbreak.

Maintenance requirements: Low. Add a 9 month slow release fertiliser in spring.

Other: Particularly useful in preventing soil erosion along rivers and creeks. The timber has been used for Aboriginal hunting weapons and tool handles. High fire risk.

Propagation: Propagate from seed in spring.