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Araucaria spp.

araucarias

Araucariaceae

Southern Hemisphere: South America, eastern Australia, New Caledonia, and Norfolk Island

Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 7–11

Overview

Araucaria spp. is a genus of about 20 species of evergreen coniferous trees in the family Araucariaceae, native to the Southern Hemisphere. Species occur in South America, eastern Australia, New Caledonia, and Norfolk Island, where they form some of the tallest trees in their native forests. Across the genus, mature trees range from about 50 to 180 feet (15 to 55 m) tall, with a single straight trunk and tiers of horizontal branches arranged in regular whorls, giving a symmetrical, candelabra-like outline. The leaves are stiff and leathery, either narrow and awl-shaped or broad and overlapping depending on the species, and range from green to gray-green; in several species, including A. araucana, the leaves end in sharp points. Most species are dioecious, with male and female cones borne on separate trees. The female cones are large and rounded, 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm) across, and break apart at maturity to release large seeds, which are edible in A. araucana and A. bidwillii. Growth is slow, and trees may take twenty years or more to produce cones. Several species are frost-sensitive and intolerant of dry, exposed, or polluted urban sites, where growth is stunted.

Native Range

Araucaria spp. occurs across the Southern Hemisphere, with species native to Chile and Argentina in South America, eastern Australia, the island of New Caledonia, and Norfolk Island. New Caledonia holds the greatest concentration, with thirteen species found nowhere else.

Suggested Uses

Araucaria spp. is used as a specimen and skyline tree in large gardens, parks, and coastal landscapes in frost-free and mild regions. A. heterophylla is grown as a container and indoor plant while young. The sharp foliage and large size of several species limit their use near paths and small gardens.

How to Identify

Identify Araucaria spp. by its straight trunk and symmetrical whorls of horizontal branches, which create a tiered, candelabra-like crown. The stiff, leathery leaves are either awl-shaped or broad and overlapping and often sharply pointed. Female cones are large, rounded, and 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) across, disintegrating on the tree to drop large seeds.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height50' - 180'

Width/Spread20' - 40'

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

gray green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Araucaria spp. does not flower. Pollen is shed from male cones in spring, and the large female cones ripen over one to three years before breaking apart to release seed. Cone production typically begins only after twenty years of growth.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green to gray-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Time to Maturity

20 or more years to cone-bearing

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Araucaria spp. grows in full sun in deep, well-drained, slightly acidic soil with steady moisture during establishment. Once established, several species tolerate drought, though Norfolk Island pine and other tender species need protection from frost. The genus grows slowly and develops a wide root system, making mature trees difficult to transplant. Salt-laden coastal wind is tolerated by A. heterophylla but not by all species. Poorly drained or compacted urban soils stunt growth and cause needle browning. Young plants of A. heterophylla are grown indoors in containers in cool, bright rooms.

Pruning

Araucaria spp. needs no routine pruning and naturally holds its symmetrical, whorled form. Removing the leading shoot permanently disfigures the crown, as the tree cannot replace a lost leader. Dead lower branches can be cut back to the trunk.