Araucaria cunninghamii
hoop pine
Overview
Araucaria cunninghamii is an evergreen coniferous tree reaching 100-160 feet (30-50 m) tall, occasionally to 200 feet (60 m), with a straight trunk and a narrow, domed crown of tufted branches concentrated toward the branch tips. The bark is dark brown and peels in horizontal bands or hoops that encircle the trunk. Juvenile leaves are needle-like, sharp, and incurved, 0.3-0.7 inch (8-18 mm) long; adult leaves are smaller, scale-like, and tightly overlapping, 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) long. The species bears separate male and female cones; female cones are ovoid, 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) long, and break apart when ripe to release winged seeds. Growth is slow to moderate, with young trees adding 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) per year in good conditions. It tolerates a range of soils but needs good drainage and grows poorly in cold or frost-prone sites. Lower branches are shed as the tree ages, leaving a clean trunk. Mature trees develop deep roots and withstand wind.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from northeastern New South Wales through Queensland, and to Papua New Guinea. Grows in subtropical and dry rainforest and on rocky ridges, from near sea level to about 3,000 feet (900 m).Suggested Uses
Used as a specimen and avenue tree in large gardens, parks, and rural plantings, spaced 30-50 feet (9-15 m) apart. Grown commercially for timber in subtropical plantations. Its eventual size and falling debris limit its use in small gardens and near buildings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height100' - 160'
Width/Spread20' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Bloom Information
As a conifer, it produces cones rather than flowers. Male cones release pollen in spring, mainly September to November. Female cones ripen over about 18 months and disintegrate on the tree to shed seed.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in deep, well-drained soils and tolerates sandy and loamy types. Water young trees regularly for the first two to three years; established trees are moderately drought-tolerant. Growth is slow in the early years and accelerates once the root system is established. The species is sensitive to hard frost when young and to waterlogged soils. Few pests affect it, though root rot can occur in poorly drained ground. Falling cones and shed lower branches accumulate beneath mature trees.Pruning
Requires little pruning beyond removal of dead or damaged branches. Lower branches are shed naturally as the tree matures. Removal of the leading shoot permanently disrupts the symmetrical form, as the species does not readily develop a replacement leader.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter