Scientific Name: Athrotaxis x laxifolia Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region

Common Name: hybrid pencil pine

Family Classification (Clade): Gymnosperms

Family: Cupressaceae

Form Description: Tree, similar to A. cupressoides but leaves slightly spreading with apex incurved.

Height (m): 6 – 10

Fruit: Cone – spherical or slightly ovoid, 1.5-2cm in diameter on female plants.

Municipality
No data available for this species
Plant Communities
Alpine and Sub-alpine VegetationRainforest
Habitat Notes

Rare; found as isolated trees near Athrotaxis cupressoides or Athrotaxis selaginoides.

Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Shady, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

This species has been cultivated in the British Isles for over 100 years and some trees have reached about 20m in height. It will withstand slightly alkaline soils but soils need to be moist, well drained and in partial or full sun. Suitable for public and domestic gardens.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed, Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Dry and sieve.

Seed Treatment Method

Cold Some species require exposure to cold before they germinate. These species are best sown in early winter and left to germinate in a shade house.

Seed Treatment Notes

May benefit from 6-8 weeks cold-moist stratification prior to germination. Seedling very prone to “damping off” unless stringent precautions are taken.

Germination Time

1-2 months

Cutting & Division Information

Cuttings strike fairly readily. Use tip cuttings with or without “heels” and strike in a 2:1 mix of peat moss and sand. Late summer is best time to collect cuttings. Should strike more successfully if stored in a plastic bag with sphagnum moss in the refrigerator at or about 3-4°C for 6-8 weeks prior to setting out. Bottom heat and mist is beneficial or a plastic bag over the pot. Plants grow slowly and require adequate moisture. Also grows from layers.