Beefwood
Casuarina cunninghamiana
Also known as
Cunningham's Beefwood, Creek-Oak, Fire-Oak, River She-Oak, River-Oak, She oak, River oak, River she oak
Casuarina cunninghamiana growing next to the Wollundry Lagoon (3) by Bidgee (CC BY-SA 2.5 au)
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Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H4
RHS hardiness
-10°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
35m | Max | 10m |
3m | Min | 2m |
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Beefwood
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Beefwood Overview
Beefwoods are widely used effectively as a screening plant in windy sites and is also suited to coastal areas, used for wind breaks or dune stabilization. It has been introduced into several countries for the purpose of agroforestry and is used in the South African fruit industry as a wind break surrounding orchards. It produces a chemical limiting any growth underneath. The needles can thus be used as mulch in areas where weeds need to be suppressed!
Common problems with Beefwood
Generally problem free
How to harvest Beefwood
Generally not harvested
How to propagate Beefwood
Seed
Sow seeds from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse. Cover the seeds lightly, prick out when large enough to handle, keep in pots for the first year, then plant out in final position.
Special features of Beefwood
Hedge plant
Makes a good screening plant and can be cut to a tall hedge or left as windbreak.
Other uses of Beefwood
Hardiness and tolerance of tough conditions.