Norfolk Island pine Araucaria heterophylla
Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Araucariaceae family, native to Norfolk Island (South Pacific). It grows 15–40 m (49–131 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Norfolk Island pine in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Norfolk Island pine at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Araucariaceae |
| Mature height | 15–40 m (49–131 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Norfolk Island (South Pacific) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Norfolk Island pine toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: needles
Listed by the ASPCA as mildly toxic to cats and dogs (vomiting, low mood).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Norfolk Island pine
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Norfolk Island pine
- How far apart should I plant Norfolk Island pine?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Norfolk Island pine need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Norfolk Island pine need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Norfolk Island pine?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- Is Norfolk Island pine poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Listed by the ASPCA as mildly toxic to cats and dogs (vomiting, low mood).
- What grows well with Norfolk Island pine?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Norfolk Island pine. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Perfectly tiered branches; lines sea-fronts from Sydney to Lisbon because it takes salt wind, and is a common houseplant elsewhere.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Wollemi pine Wollemia nobilis
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- Black walnut Juglans nigra
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