PlantFun
Plant Needs
Characteristics
- Leaf: Needles grow in fascicles of 3, bright green, 10–15 cm long, soft and flexible to the touch
- Cone: Ovoid serrated cones, 8–15 cm long, persistent on branches for 2–3 years after maturity
- Stem/Bark: Young bark smooth gray-brown; mature bark thick, deeply furrowed, dark reddish-brown
Care Guide
Deep watering every 7–10 days during dry spells to maintain soil moisture
Apply slow-release balanced fertilizer once at the start of growing season. Avoid fertilizing in late autumn or winter to prevent new growth from frost damage
Composted eggshell powder topdressing：Crush fully dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the base of the tree and lightly work into topsoil to support root health- Remove dead, diseased, or broken branches in late winter to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Thin lower branches to raise canopy height for landscape visibility or to create understory space
- Trim back overgrown shoots to maintain desired shape; avoid heavy pruning of mature trees as they may not regrow dense foliage
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets: ASPCA confirmed toxic; contains isocupressic acid which may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and respiratory distress in severe cases
Humans: Ingestion of large quantities of needles may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, or abdominal pain
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes coastal resilience; widely planted for reforestation and carbon sequestration projects
Usage: Primary commercial timber species in Australia and New Zealand; used for windbreaks and ornamental landscape plantings
