Native Trees

Coast she-oak — Casuarina equisetifolia

Casuarina equisetifolia

Host plant for butterflies and insects Shelter for wildlife Resilient garden plant

$7.00

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In stock and available to order

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Plant profile

At a glance

The essentials for finding the right garden position.

Mature size: Height: 10–25 m · Width: 6–12 m
Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water: Dry, Moist
Soil: Sandy
Drainage: Free-draining
Vegetation type: Coastal
Plant lifespan: Long-lived perennial
Plant form: Trees

Plant ratings

A quick guide to this plant’s value for wildlife and the garden.

Bird food value
Host plant value
Pollinator value
Shelter & habitat value
Flower display
Garden resilience

About this plant

Coast she-oak brings the scale and character of the local landscape into a larger garden setting. Male flower spikes and small red female flowers occur on separate plants; females form woody cones. Use it where its canopy can become part of a layered garden and provide a lasting sense of place.

Image credits:
Mature image: Ethel Aardvark via Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 3.0
Feature image: Bruce Bailey via Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 4.0

More plant details

Garden uses: Habitat tree, shade or canopy planting, restoration-style garden and layered wildlife corridor; especially suited to sites reflecting Coastal.
Wildlife value: Casuarina equisetifolia has some pollinator value, but its flowers are less abundant, less accessible or not a major garden food resource. Casuarina equisetifolia provides supplementary food and foraging opportunities for birds. Casuarina equisetifolia develops substantial, persistent structure that can provide excellent refuge, nesting or screening habitat.
Flowering and fruiting: Male flower spikes and small red female flowers occur on separate plants; females form woody cones.
Growth habit: Woody tree contributing canopy or mid-storey structure; indicative mature size 10–25 m × 6–12 m.
Cautions: A large coastal tree with surface roots and heavy litter; give it generous space.