Swamp Oak, River Oak, She-Oak
casuarina glauca
Also known as: ["Swamp Casuarina","Swamp She-Oak"]
Overview
A medium-sized evergreen tree native to eastern Australia, known for its drooping, pine-like foliage and hard, woody cones.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Casuarinaceae |
| Genus: | Casuarina |
| Botanical Name: | Casuarina glauca |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in coastal or inland areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy. Adjust for intense summer sun by providing some afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; place in a location with morning sun and afternoon partial shade if needed.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Avoid sudden light changes; use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogged soil; amend with organic matter if needed.
Temperature
Thrives in 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but prefers warm, humid conditions.
Protect from frost; provide shade in extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer; apply after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more reliable 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.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a bud or branch junction; avoid leaving stubs.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased branches, and encourage denser growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for younger 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 proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry before the next watering.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Growth slows; leaves may turn yellow or drop; young plants are more susceptible to frost damage.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth in cold snaps; plant in a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch or wilt; growth may slow; soil dries out faster.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; follow dilution instructions; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; apply lightly every 6–8 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCasuarina glauca is not considered toxic to cats. The plant lacks compounds known to be harmful to felines, and ingestion generally does not pose a health risk.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Non-toxicCasuarina glauca is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known compounds that are harmful to canines, and ingestion typically does not result in adverse effects.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicCasuarina glauca, commonly known as Swamp Sheoak, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds or nuts may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high fiber content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Casuarina glauca suitable for coastal planting?
A: Yes, it is highly tolerant of salt spray and coastal conditions.
Q: Does Casuarina glauca produce flowers?
A: No, it produces woody cones instead of traditional flowers.
Q: How fast does Casuarina glauca grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, typically reaching maturity in 10–15 years.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Casuarinaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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