This rare coniferous tree has a fibrous-fissured brown trunk up to 1 m (3 ft) in diameter with horizontal spreading branches that form a broad conical habit. It has a dark green scale-like leaves and the male flowers appear in spring followed by female cones.

Hardiness zones 7 to 9

Athrotaxis laxifoliais naturally found in Australia growing in a restricted region in the western and central highlands of Tasmania in montane and temperate rainforests, commonly in sheltered slopes or in valleys at an altitude from 900 m to 1200 m (3960 ft).

This rare and extremely slow growing conifer prefers a protected sunny, humid position and grows in well-drained organic rich moist fertile soils that are neutral tending acidic and is drought tender but frost tolerant.

The Tasmanian Cedar is grown for its conical habit and foliage. It is planted in parks and large gardens or botanical collections as a lawn specimen tree. It is suitable for low-mountain regions establishing in 6-10 years and can live up to 1,300 years. It is also planted in temperate rainforest or sub-alpine gardens but may be difficult to obtain requiring a specialist nursery. ID 3427

Note:
This tree commonly occurs as an individual or in small groups and is sensitive to fire and phytophthora. Classification of this conifer is still unclear as it may be regarded as a natural hybrid between Athrotaxis cupressoidesand Athrotaxis selaginoides.

Athrotaxis (ATH-roh-TAX-is) laxifolia (LAX-ee-FOH-lee-ah)

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