Callitris glaucophylla
white cypress-pine
Overview
Callitris glaucophylla is an evergreen coniferous tree growing 30-65 feet (9-20 m) tall with a trunk to 16-24 inches (40-60 cm) in diameter, forming a narrow, conical to columnar crown that becomes more open and irregular with age. The bark is grey-brown, deeply furrowed, and persistent. Foliage consists of scale leaves arranged in whorls of three along slender, blue-green to grey-green branchlets. Male and female cones are borne on the same tree; the woody female cones are globular, 0.6-1 inch (15-25 mm) across, with six scales, and persist on the branches for several years before releasing winged seeds. Growth is slow, with trees adding about 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) of height per year in favorable conditions and far less in dry inland sites. The species tolerates drought once established and grows in arid and semi-arid country, but seedlings are sensitive to grazing and fire. Mature trees are killed by hot fire because the species does not resprout.
Native Range
Native to inland Australia across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. Grows on sandy and loamy soils in semi-arid woodland and on dunes, plains, and low ridges, often forming open stands at 300-2,300 feet (90-700 m) elevation.Suggested Uses
Grown as a windbreak, screen, and shade tree in dry inland gardens and on rural properties, spaced 10-20 feet (3-6 m) apart. The aromatic, termite-resistant timber is used for posts, flooring, and construction. Suited to low-rainfall regions rather than humid or poorly drained sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 65'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Colors
Bloom Information
As a conifer, it produces cones rather than flowers. Pollen is shed from small male cones in late winter to spring, mainly August to October. Woody female cones mature over one to two years and then persist on the branches, releasing seed after fire or in dry conditions.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
grey-green to blue-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