Drooping She-Oak
(Allocasuarina verticillata)
Drooping She-Oak (Allocasuarina verticillata)
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John Tann
CC BY 2.0
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John Tann
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CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: John Tann | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: John Tann | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Allocasuarina verticillata, commonly known as Drooping She-Oak, is an evergreen tree native to the dry coastal regions and open woodlands of southern Australia, including Tasmania. It typically grows to a height of 4–10 meters (12–35 ft) with a rounded habit. The tree’s bark is deeply fissured, contributing to its textured appearance, and its slender, drooping branchlets resemble pine needles, giving it a soft, fine texture from a distance. The male flowers are reddish-brown and appear in late fall to winter, while female flowers are inconspicuous. This species does not produce showy flowers but is valued for its unique foliage and the gentle rustling sound it makes in the wind.
Drooping She-Oak is drought-tolerant and well-suited to xeriscaping. It is often used for windbreaks, erosion control, and as an ornamental tree in gardens with limited water availability. Its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil makes it beneficial for improving soil fertility. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It has low water requirements once established. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Drooping She-Oak is drought-tolerant and well-suited to xeriscaping. It is often used for windbreaks, erosion control, and as an ornamental tree in gardens with limited water availability. Its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil makes it beneficial for improving soil fertility. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It has low water requirements once established. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 15-30 feet
- Width: 12-25 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red, Brown
- Flowering Season: Fall, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Erosion Control, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to dry coastal regions and open woodlands of southeastern Australia, including Tasmania
Other Names
Common Names: Drooping Sheoak
Scientific Names: , Casuarina stricta, Allocasuarina verticillata, Casuarina verticillata, Casuarina quadrivalvis, Casuarina tortuosa, Casuarina excelsa, Casuarina gunnii, Casuarina macrocarpa, Casuarina quadridentata
GBIF Accepted Name: Allocasuarina verticillata (Lam.) L.A.S.Johnson