Callitris spp.
cypress-pine
Overview
Callitris spp. is a genus of evergreen coniferous trees and shrubs in the cypress family (Cupressaceae), native mostly to Australia with a few species in New Caledonia. Plants range from low shrubs to columnar or rounded trees 15-100 feet (5-30 m) tall, usually with a single straight trunk and fibrous, furrowed bark. The tiny scale-like leaves are fused to the slender branchlets in whorls of three, giving the foliage a slender, cord-like texture that is grey-green to deep green. Plants are wind-pollinated, and small pollen cones and rounded woody seed cones 0.4-1.2 inches (1-3 cm) wide form on the same tree, the seed cones made of six woody scales that open to shed winged seed. Many species hold their cones closed until fire or the death of the branch triggers seed release. Callitris spp. is adapted to dry, infertile, sandy soils and tolerates prolonged drought, but it grows slowly and is killed rather than resprouting after intense fire. Several species yield durable, termite-resistant timber known as cypress-pine.
Native Range
Callitris spp. is native to Australia, where species occur across the continent from coastal heath to arid inland plains, with a few species in New Caledonia. Plants grow on sandy, rocky, and skeletal soils in dry woodland, mallee, and semi-arid scrub, often where few other conifers survive.Suggested Uses
Callitris spp. is used as a windbreak, screen, and specimen conifer in dry gardens, and as a timber and revegetation tree in its native range. Drought-hardy species suit low-water and coastal plantings in zones 9-11. Slow growth and a need for sharp drainage limit its use on heavy or wet soils.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 100'
Width/Spread8' - 25'
Bloom Information
Conifers do not flower. Pollen is shed from small cones in late winter and spring, and the woody seed cones take one to two years to ripen. Many species hold mature cones unopened for years until heat or the death of the branch releases the winged seed.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Grey-green to deep 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