Coastal She-Oak, Beach She-Oak
casuarina equisetifolia
Also known as: ["Ironwood","Horsetail She-Oak"]
Overview
A fast-growing, evergreen tree native to coastal regions of Asia and Oceania, known for its slender, pine-like foliage and hard wood.
Benefits & Perks
["fast growing","drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Casuarinaceae |
| Genus: | Casuarina |
| Botanical Name: | Casuarina equisetifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: coastal areas, sandy soils, or as a windbreak
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining; poor drainage can lead to root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed year-round.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed for rejuvenation.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure adequate spacing for light penetration.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyModerate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is ideal; avoid deep shade; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0); tolerates mildly alkaline soils.
Ensure fast drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperatures (65–95°F or 18–35°C); prefers tropical and subtropical climates; sensitive to frost.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize in spring before growth starts; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Keep warm and shaded.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F or 21–27°C), humid, and partially shaded environment; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, misting spray bottle, heating mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to encourage bushiness; remove crossing or weak growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased branches, and encourage denser growth; focus on structural improvement.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; make clean cuts; remove dead/diseased wood first.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for young plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; ensure water penetrates deeply (6–12 inches); allow excess water to drain away; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season (spring and summer); reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand or perlite for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves) in cold stress; leaf drop or browning in heat stress; stunted growth in extreme temperatures.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures (below 28°F or -2°C) can damage or kill the plant; slows growth and weakens defenses.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth in cold snaps; plant in sheltered locations; avoid planting in frost-prone areas.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat (above 95°F or 35°C) can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor; may lead to drought stress.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; increase watering frequency; mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose appropriate fertilizer; apply at correct dilution; fertilize during active growth; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during active growth; reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCasuarina equisetifolia is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not pose a known risk of toxicity to felines through ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicCasuarina equisetifolia is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicCasuarina equisetifolia is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant does not produce known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Casuarina equisetifolia suitable for coastal planting?
A: Yes, it is highly tolerant of salt spray and sandy soils, making it ideal for coastal landscapes.
Q: Does this tree attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it provides habitat and food for birds and insects, and its flowers are pollinated by bees.
Q: How fast does Casuarina equisetifolia grow?
A: It is a fast-growing tree, often adding 1–2 meters in height per year under optimal conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Casuarinaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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