Smooth Barked Apple - Angophora costata

Smooth Barked Apple, Angophora costata

Angophora costata is one of Australia's most architecturally compelling native trees, a sculptural presence defined by its sinuous limbs, salmon-pink bark, and commanding canopy. At advanced scale, it delivers immediate structural drama that no young specimen can replicate.

Why Smooth Barked Apple

Bark and Form: Freshly shed bark reveals smooth, salmon to orange-pink tones that deepen with age, a year-round feature requiring no intervention.
Canopy Character: Twisted, expressive branching structure adds sculptural complexity and dappled shade that matures beautifully over time.
Native Resilience: Highly adapted to Sydney Basin and coastal sandstone conditions, drought-tolerant once established and resistant to typical coastal stressors.
Ecological Value: Significant habitat and food source for native birds and fauna, an asset on prestige properties seeking ecological credibility.
Immediate Impact: Advanced stock delivers the established, considered presence that defines a serious landscape from day one.

Ideal Applications

Prestige Residential: A statement specimen for open lawns, elevated sites, or coastal properties where architectural form is a priority.
Bushland Integration: Seamlessly extends or reinstates native bushland character within high-end residential and acreage projects.
Streetscape and Entry: Commands attention as a feature tree along driveways or formal entry sequences requiring immediate presence.
Naturalistic Design: The signature choice for landscape architects working in naturalistic, Australian-native, or coastal design vocabularies.

Specimen & Installation

Spacing (feature/avenue): 10–15m
Planting Season: Autumn to spring, avoiding peak summer heat
Soil & Drainage: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerates poor, rocky and slightly acidic soils; good drainage essential, avoid poorly drained or waterlogged sites
Establishment Care: Water deeply once or twice per week for the first two summers until established, then reduce to occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Avoid disturbing the root zone and do not over-fertilise, as this species is adapted to low-nutrient soils.

Plant Details

Height: 15–25m
Width: 10–15m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage: Evergreen
Light: Full sun
Native to: Eastern Australia (coastal New South Wales and Queensland)
Flower Colour: Cream to white