This large coniferous tree has short radiating pendant branches that are close fitting along the trunk forming a columnar habit. It has stiff pointed light green overlapping lanced-shaped leaves and it produces large cones.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12 

Araucaria columnaris is naturally found in southern New Caledonia from Ouinne to Prony and the Isle of Pines growing in coast lowlands. It is also grown in Hawaii, the North Island of New Zealand, Australia and from southern California to Mexico.  

It prefers a deep well-drained fertile moist sandy soil that is tending acidic but will tolerate most soil types and grows in an open sunny position tolerating drought and salt laden winds but is frost tender. 

The Cook Pine is a large long lived tree that is grown for its stately habit. It is planted in parks and large gardens as a lawn specimen or used in rainforest settings. It is also grown in botanical collections and when young it is used as a container plant. It is suitable for coastal regions and has a slow growth rate establishing in 3 to 5 years and can live for up to 400 years. ID 941

Araucaria (ar-â-kā’ ri-ä) columnaris (col-lum-min-ar-is)

Araucariaceae (air-ah-KAIR-ee-AY-see-ee)