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Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
8 - 10These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Wollemia nobilis is a large, rare evergreen conifer in the family Araucariaceae, discovered in 1994 in a remote canyon of the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia — the sole surviving species of a genus previously known only from fossils dating to approximately 200 million years ago. Trees reach 65–130 feet (20–40 m) in the wild; in cultivation, typical plants reach 20–40 feet (6–12 m) tall and 10–15 feet (3–4.6 m) wide over several decades, with growth rate of 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) per year under good conditions. The habit is distinctly multi-stemmed from the base with multiple leaders rather than a single trunk. Bark is soft, spongy, and knobby — dark brown and deeply textured, one of the most distinctive bark textures of any cultivated conifer. Leaves are flat, strap-like, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, arranged in two ranks on the shoots, bright green above, paler beneath with two stomatal bands. New growth flushes are cream-colored in spring, turning green. Female cones are large, globular, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm). The wild population numbers fewer than 100 trees and the species is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Commercially propagated plants have been widely distributed since 2005 to support conservation awareness.
Native Range
Wollemia nobilis is native to a single population in a remote canyon in Wollemi National Park, Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia, at approximately 2,000 feet (600 m) elevation. The entire known wild population consists of fewer than 100 mature trees across a handful of adjacent groves. It is not native to the Pacific Northwest.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen and botanical focal point in protected, well-drained garden positions, spaced 10–15 feet (3–4.6 m) from adjacent plants. The unique knobby bark texture, cream new growth flushes, and extraordinary conservation status make this a notable subject in conifer collections and botanical gardens. Best suited to sheltered, well-drained west-side Pacific Northwest conditions with protection from severe frost.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 40'
Width/Spread10' - 15'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Male and female cones are on the same tree (monoecious). Male cones are long, cylindrical, pendant, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm), releasing pollen in late spring. Female cones are globular, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) in diameter, green ripening to brown, disintegrating on the tree at maturity to disperse winged seeds. Trees in cultivation begin producing cones at 10–15 years of age.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow-green (male cones)Foliage Description
bright green above, paler below with stomatal bands; cream-colored on new growth flushesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-12 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
Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established trees tolerate short dry periods but prefer consistent moisture. Best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Tolerates partial shade in youth but grows best in full sun as an adult. Hardy to approximately 14°F (−10°C); established trees in Pacific Northwest west-side conditions generally survive winter; protect young plants from frost until established. Root rot in waterlogged soils is the most common cultural failure. The wild population is susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi; commercial propagules are certified disease-free.Pruning
No pruning required. The multi-stemmed habit develops naturally. Do not attempt to train to a single trunk. Remove dead or damaged stems at any time.Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons