Callitris gracilis (Slender Cypress-pine)

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Callitris, Genus, spp., Multiple species,

Genus
Multiple species

Cypress-pine

Cupressaceae Australia and New Caledonia

Drought Tolerant

SunFull Sun

WaterVery Low · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Callitris 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 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 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 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

Look for an evergreen conifer with very slender branchlets clothed in tiny scale leaves arranged in threes, so the shoots feel smooth and cord-like rather than needled. Rounded woody cones about 0.4-1.2 inches (1-3 cm) wide are made of six scales in two whorls and often stay clustered, closed, on the branches. The whorled scale leaves and six-scaled cones separate Callitris from pines and from other cypress relatives.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 100'

Width/Spread8' - 25'

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

grey

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

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 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 Range5.5 - 7.5 (Acidic to alkaline)

3579

Soil Types

sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun on free-draining sandy or rocky soil and tolerate heat, wind, and extended drought once established. They suit warm-temperate to semi-arid zones (about USDA 9-11) and dislike heavy, wet, or poorly drained ground, which causes root rot. Growth is slow, and young trees need occasional water until their roots reach depth. Most species do not resprout after fire or hard cutting, so they are not renewed by coppicing. Few pests trouble them, though cypress-pine sawfly can strip young foliage.

Pruning

Pruning is generally limited to removing dead or damaged branches, as most species do not reshoot from bare old wood. Young plants can be lightly tip-pruned to build density. Hard cutting into leafless wood usually leaves permanent gaps.