Coastal She-oak

Coastal She-oak (Casuarina equisetifolia) is the tree to plant when salt spray and constant wind have beaten everything else. Native to northern and eastern Australia, it grows fast to around 12m tall and 8m wide, with fine drooping foliage that filters wind instead of fighting it.

Why you'll love it

• Genuinely coastal. Salt tolerant, wind tolerant and happy in poor sandy soil, so it holds up on frontline positions that burn other screening trees.
• Fast cover. One of the quicker large natives to get moving, which matters when the reason you are planting is exposure.
• The sound of it. Wind through the fine foliage produces the soft sigh coastal she-oaks are known for, and the litter forms a clean mat underneath.
• Bird attracting. Black cockatoos and small birds feed on the woody cones, so a windbreak row does double duty as habitat.

Where it works best

Windbreaks. Plant 4m apart in a row. A double staggered row at the same spacing filters wind rather than blocking it, which is what an exposed rural or coastal block actually needs.

Coastal gardens. It handles salt laden air directly behind the dune, and the deep roots help bind loose sandy ground on a slope.

Screening and shade. As a screen it gives a soft, informal wall rather than a dense hedge, and it casts light dappled shade that grass and understorey planting can live under.

Growing Coastal She-oak in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. This is a tropical, subtropical and warm temperate tree tolerating light frost only, so cool temperate, tableland and inland frost districts are not suitable.

Soil. Sandy, poor and shallow soils are all fine, which is unusual in a tree this size. Drainage matters more than fertility. Avoid heavy clay that stays wet, or plant on a raised mound.

Water and feed. Water deeply twice a week through the first summer, then reduce as it establishes and becomes drought tolerant. It fixes its own nitrogen, so feeding is rarely needed and heavy fertiliser only pushes weak growth.

Pruning. Very little is required. Remove competing leaders early for a single trunk, and lift lower branches only if you want clearance. It does not take hard shearing, so choose it for its natural form.

What to expect when it arrives

We grow this she-oak in 30L, 45L and 90L pots, so every plant is already an established young tree. The 30L is the value option for a long windbreak run, the 45L is the usual middle ground, and the 90L arrives carrying real height for a site that needs cover sooner.

Trees are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Some needle drop after transit is normal. Stake against wind for the first year, and expect strong growth in the first full warm season. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Choosing plants for a coastal garden
• Browse salt tolerant coastal plants
• What actually survives in windy conditions
• Compare other windbreak trees and shrubs

Common questions

How far apart should I plant a windbreak?

Four metres apart in a single row, or two staggered rows at 4m for a wider block. Planting tighter crowds the crowns and gives you a solid wall that turns wind into turbulence.

How close to the coast can it go?

Very close. It is one of the standard frontline species for salt laden air directly behind the dune, which is exactly the position it occupies naturally.

Will it cope with frost?

Light frost only. It is not a choice for cool temperate, tableland or inland frost districts, where a frost hardy windbreak species is the safer decision.

Do the roots cause problems?

They are vigorous and deep, which is why it holds sand so well, so keep it 8m or more from pipes, paving and footings. In an open position it is undemanding.

Western Australia: this species has escaped from gardens and naturalised in WA, where it competes with local bushland plants. We do not recommend it for gardens in the south west of WA. Please choose a local alternative.