Accession Count: 0
Common Name:
black she-oak
Family Name:
Casuarinaceae
Botanical Name:
Allocasuarina littoralis
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Allocasuarina littoralis is an evergreen tree that grows up to 40 feet tall in some instances, though rarely over 25 feet in cultivation. At maturity, its spread is roughly 4-5 feet (1, 4). Bark is dark grey, consistent and rough along the trunk; branches grow from all heights, with branchlets extending upwards, rarely exceeding 5 inches (2, 3). Leaves are needle-like and green. In the fall, female plants will feature showy red flowers, while male plants may have a golden hue from their pollen; afterwards, female plants will sprout a pinecone-like fruit (1).
Compound:
All lit
Geographic Origin:
Australia
Ecozone Origin:
Australasia
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Cultivation Notes:
Allocasuarina littoralis should be planted in well-drained soil. During growth, it should be watered semi-frequently, but is drought-tolerant once established (1, 3, 4, 5). This is a fast growing, adaptable tree -- it is tolerant to a wide range of climates and positions. Hardy to at least 25 F, it grows best in full sun but will do fine partial shade (1, 3). This plant has a shallow, wide-reaching root system and may out-compete nearby plants during periods of drought (1).
Ethnobotany:
The wood of the black she-oak can be used for turnery, tool handles, yokes, furniture, farm buildings and roof shingles. It also makes an excellent fuel wood (1, 4).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
16 - 20 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Red
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
