Athrotaxis cupressoides, commonly known as Pencil Pine, is an evergreen coniferous tree native to the highland rainforests and subalpine regions of Tasmania. It can achieve heights of 30-60 feet (9-18 meters) and a width of 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters), with a dense, conical form that becomes more irregular with age. The tree’s foliage consists of small, scale-like leaves that are dark green, and its bark is fibrous and furrowed. While it does not produce showy flowers, its small, rounded cones are notable. Pencil Pine is slow-growing and can live for over 1,000 years in its native habitat.

Pencil Pine is valued for its attractive, dense foliage and its suitability for use as a specimen tree in large gardens and parks. It is also used for creating vertical accents in landscaping. This species prefers cool, moist conditions and is not tolerant of drought, heat, or pollution, making it less suitable for urban environments. It requires acidic to neutral soils with good drainage and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Pencil Pine is not commonly affected by pests or diseases, but it is sensitive to fire and can be damaged by heavy snow loads. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range, but its slow growth rate and specific habitat requirements limit its use in some areas.CC BY-SA 4.0