This coniferous tree has a trunk up to 1.2m (4ft) diameter with stringy bark and symmetrical branches that form a compact columnar habit when young. It has horizontal sprays of rich green fern-like scale leaves and the ovoid female cone appears in spring.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10

Libocedrus plumosa is naturally found in New Zealand from the North Island to Collingwood in the South Island growing from sea level in lowland forests to the low mountains at an altitude of 600m (2,000ft).

It prefers a well drained fertile moist soil in an open sunny to semi shaded position and is frost and drought tender when young.

Kawaka is grown for its graceful habit and is planted in parks and gardens as a lawn specimen or grown along avenues. It is also grown in containers when young and is suitable for coastal and low mountain regions and it is very slow growing attaining a height of 3m (10ft) in 10 years and establishes in 4 to 8 years.ID 364

Note:
This plant is not commonly cultivated outside its native environment and may be difficult to obtained, requiring a specialist nursery.

Libocedrus(lee-bo-SED-rus) plumosa(PLUM-o-sa)

Cupressaceae(kew-press-AY-see-ee)
Coniferous Trees