The Coast Beefwood looks like a very feathery pine at first glance. What appears to be needles are actually segmented pieces like a horsetail fern. This is an Australian native that thrives in salt air and wind, and, is perfect for growing in Marina’s sandy soils. This tree does get wide, so give it plenty of room. Mature groupings of trees can provide lovely "interior rooms" if left untrimmed.
Fast grower from 2-3 feet a year until mature with small 1 inch wide conelike fruit. The red sap and reddish hardwood provide the origin of the name "Beefwood." You can see long rows of Beefwoods used as windbreak along the vineyards in Soledad on the way up to the Pinacles. There are 2 other species of Casuarina that may grow well in Marina - just no actual feedback on growth habits of the other species here. |
Maximum height
20-30 feet tall & wide
Life Span
60 + years |