Toona ciliata – Red Cedar

A large rainforest tree which was once common on the NSW north coast and southern Queensland coast, but was extensively logged for the prized timber which is good for cabinet making, as it is soft and easily worked with a beautiful red colour. Should only be planted in large parks and farms as it can grow from 40 to 60 metres tall, but is a beautiful tree, and one of the few deciduous Australian trees…the new spring leaf growth is red coloured and very attractive. In sheltered forested areas it will grow a straight trunk, but in a more open spot it grows shorter and more spreading, creating a good summer shade tree. Cedar tip moth can affect the new growth, and this too will lead to a smaller tree, often with several trunks if attacked early in its life. The bark is scaly and flowers are insignificant. The seeds are light and have papery wings which help them to fly on the breeze once the seed capsules open in summer. Likes well drained soil with regular water, and plenty of organic matter will see the tree thrive.

Family:Meliaceae
Scientific Name:Toona ciliata
Common Name:Red Cedar
Plant Type:Large tree
Height:30 ~ 60 metres
Width:10 ~ 15 metres
Flower Colour:Cream
Flowering Time:Spring
Ph Level:Acid, Neutral
Soil Type:Clay, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam
Climate Zone:Tropical, Sub-tropical, Warm temperate
Light:Sunny, Light shade
Growth Habit:Deciduous, Spreading
Soil Moisture:Moist moderate drainage
Propagation Method:Seed
Frost Tolerance:Tolerates light frost
Plant Usage:Attractive foliage
Special Features:Fast growing

The information provided on the Gardening With Angus website is provided for general educational purposes about a variety of Australian plants. We recommend you seek further advice from qualified professionals regarding your own individual circumstances.  Further disclaimer information>>


WHERE TO GET YOUR PLANT

Once you have found the plant that looks right for you, the next step is where to buy it.
Most nurseries stock a good range of plants, but due to space and supplies, they may not always have the plant that you are searching for in stock. If they don’t, they may be able to order it in for you if you request it.
Specialist nurseries are also able to give great advice, and if they don’t have the plant you have planned on, they can often suggest alternatives that will also work well for you.
Below is a list of our favourite specialist nurseries. Click on the links for their details-

 

The Wildflower Place Erina – NSW 

 

Newcastle Wildflower Nursery – NSW

 

IndigiGrow- Sydney- NSW

 

Harvest Seeds And Native Plant Nursery – Sydney – NSW

 

Native Grace Nursery – Robertson NSW

 

Wariapendi Nursery – Colo Vale NSW

 

Sydney Wildflower Nursery – NSW

 

Cool Country Natives – ACT

 

Geelong Native Plants – Victoria

 

Wimmera Native Nursery – Victoria

 

Forest Heart eco-Nursery – Maleny Queensland

 

Natives R Us – Traveston – Queensland 

 

Zanthorrea Nursery – Perth WA

 

Manuka Native Nursery – South Australia

 

MAIL ORDER NURSERIES –

 

The Native Shop – mail order

 

Plants In A Box

 


 

 

Angus recommends Bush Tucker fertiliser for native plants.