Coastal She Oak - Casuarina equisetifolia

Coastal She Oak, Casuarina equisetifolia

Casuarina equisetifolia is a proven performer in the most demanding coastal conditions, salt-laden winds, sandy soils, and intense exposure present no obstacle. Planted at advanced size, it delivers immediate structure and a distinctive, fine-textured canopy that few trees can match in harsh maritime environments.

Why Coastal She Oak

Coastal Hardiness: exceptional tolerance of salt wind, spray, and exposed foreshore conditions.
Texture and Movement: soft, drooping branchlets create a distinctive silhouette with quiet, windswept character suited to prestige coastal properties.
Rapid Establishment: vigorous root system anchors quickly in sandy and low-nutrient soils where many species fail.
Low Maintenance: once established, demands little intervention; highly drought-tolerant and self-sufficient.
Screening Capability: dense growth habit provides effective privacy and wind mitigation at scale.

Ideal Applications

Coastal Screening: first-line windbreak and privacy solution for beachfront and foreshore projects.
Dune Stabilisation: deep, fibrous root system secures sandy substrates and rehabilitates erosion-prone sites.
Avenue Planting: bold, repeated form creates strong structural lines in large coastal landscapes and resort developments.
Boundary Definition: effective perimeter planting for coastal residential and commercial properties requiring immediate presence.

Specimen & Installation

Spacing (screening/hedge): 3–5m
Spacing (feature/avenue): 8–12m
Planting Season: Spring to early summer
Soil & Drainage: Tolerates a wide range of soils including poor sandy and saline soils; requires good drainage; highly drought and salt tolerant once established
Establishment Care: Water deeply two to three times per week for the first 8–12 weeks until established, then reduce to occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods. Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch clear of the trunk.

Plant Details

Height: 15–35m
Width: 6–10m
Growth Rate: Fast
Foliage: Evergreen
Light: Full sun
Native to: Coastal regions of South and Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and Pacific Islands
Flower Colour: Insignificant