Casuarina cunninghamiana
River Sheoak
Height: 12-25m
Width: 6-8m
Comments: Casuarina cunninghamiana occurs across much of Eastern Australia from southern NSW to norther Queensland and inland for up to 400km, fringing freshwater rivers and streams.
This species is dioecious with male and female flowers on separate plants. With age after planting it will develop a shaggy canopy with elegant pendulous branchlets.
For something different to birches in clumps the River Sheoak looks great planted in clumps and is excellent for screening. Responds well to pruning and can be quite easily coppiced/
Under cultivation it tolerates drought, seasonal water logging and slight to moderate salinty. The root system is moderae to deep and develops a thick mat, is excellent for erosion control.
All plant dimensions are estimates only and ultimate size and growth rates will depend on growing conditions, particularly when used in some urban environments.
Reference:
Marcar NE, Crawford DF (2004) Trees for Saline Landscapes. RIRDC Publication Number 03/108, Canberra.
Boland DJ, Brooker MIH, Chippendale GM, Hall N, Hyland BPM, Johnson RD, Kleinig DA, McDonald MW, Turner JD (2006) Forest Trees of Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.
Costermans L. F. 1991 Native trees and shrubs of South Eastern Australia.