King William Pine
Athrotaxis selaginoides

Family: Cupressaceae

What it is like

Athrotaxis selaginoides is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 30

Where it is found

Cool rainforests where snowfall is quite common in winter and rainfall is 1.5 - 2 metres per year.

Australia - S.W. Tasmania

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Wood - very durable, easily worked. A softwood with a pleasant cedar scent, it is highly valued for many uses.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Requires a sheltered position in a rich moist soil. Plants are not very hardy in most areas of Britain, though they succeed outdoors in the south and west of the country, producing fertile seed in W. Britain. A very slow growing species, trees can succeed in the southern part of Britain but the best growth is found in wetter areas such as Cornwall and Ireland.

Propagating it: Seed - sow February/March in a cool greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 7 - 10cm long in early autumn (October), in sandy soil in a cold frame. Leave for 12 months.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. gunneana. Cunninghamia selaginoides.