River She-oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana)

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Sunlight Full sun exposure for optimal growth; tolerates partial shade in extreme heat

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Watering Water deeply but infrequently; drought-tolerant once fully established

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Temperature Hardy to light frost; thrives in temperate to subtropical temperature ranges

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Leaf: Reduced to tiny, scale-like structures along jointed green branchlets that resemble pine needles
Flower: Male flowers are slender yellow catkins; female flowers are small, red cone-like inflorescences
Stem/Bark: Rough, fissured brown bark; jointed branchlets act as the primary photosynthetic organs

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Watering

Water regularly during establishment; reduce frequency once mature

Fertilization

Apply slow-release balanced fertilizer once at growing season start. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth

Eggshell powder top-dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; lightly mix into topsoil to boost calcium levels without altering soil pH

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged branchlets in late winter to maintain structural integrity
Thin overcrowded inner branches to improve airflow and light penetration
Trim lower branches to create a clear trunk for formal landscape use

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects to humans

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Culture: N/A

Usage: Coastal windbreak, erosion control, ornamental shade tree