Casuarina glauca

Common Name:
Swamp Sheoak

Description:
Casuarina glauca, commonly known as Swamp Sheoak, is a hardy and versatile Australian native tree valued for its ability to thrive in both waterlogged and dry conditions. This evergreen species is distinguished by its fine, grey-green, needle-like foliage and furrowed bark, lending a soft, pine-like texture to the landscape. Naturally found along the east coast of Australia, particularly in estuarine and swampy areas, it is remarkably tolerant of saline soils, clay, and periodic flooding. In Melbourne gardens, it is an excellent choice for low-lying or poorly drained areas, windbreaks, screening, or native habitat restoration projects. Swamp Sheoak produces small, reddish-brown male flowers and woody cone-like fruit on female trees. It’s fast-growing and can be pruned to manage shape or height. The tree is highly attractive to native birds, particularly seed-eating species like cockatoos, and its dense form offers shelter and shade. Casuarina glauca is also available in dwarf cultivars such as ‘Cousin It’, which are used as ground covers.

Form:

• Tree - Medium

• Tree - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 8 to 20 metres

• Width: 4 to 8 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Winter

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Red (male flowers)

• Inconspicuous (female flowers)

Key Attributes:

• Australian native

• Bird Attracting

• Drought Tolerant

• Tolerates Wet Soils

• Tolerates Salinity

• Suitable for Windbreaks

• Suitable for Revegetation Projects

• Erosion Control

• Fast Growing

• Low Maintenance

Toxicity:
Not known to be toxic to humans or animals.

Companion Plants:

• Melaleuca halmaturorum

• Juncus kraussii

• Lomandra longifolia

• Dianella brevicaulis

• Leptospermum laevigatum