Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) | Indoor & Outdoor Evergreen

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Norfolk Island Pine

Araucaria heterophylla

A magnificent, prehistoric evergreen with perfectly tiered, horizontal branches and a symmetrical, pyramidal silhouette.

$299.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Araucaria heterophylla, commonly known as the Norfolk Island Pine or Australian Pine, is a majestic evergreen conifer prized for its symmetrical, tiered branching pattern and elegant, pyramidal form. Native to the subtropical Norfolk Island in the South Pacific , this iconic tree is a living fossil, belonging to a prehistoric family that flourished during the Jurassic period . Its distinctive, perfectly horizontal branches are arranged in whorls, creating a striking, layered silhouette that makes it a popular ornamental for gardens, parks, and indoor settings . While it can reach towering heights in its natural habitat, it is also widely cultivated as a slow-growing houseplant .

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage: Two distinct leaf types: on young trees, leaves are needle-like, curved, and up to 1.2 cm long; on mature trees, they are scale-like, overlapping, and broader .
Cones: Female cones are large, spherical, and spiny, measuring 9-13 cm in diameter ; mature cones are green .
Mature Height: Can reach 50-60 m (over 200 ft) in the wild ; as a landscape tree in suitable climates, typically grows 18-24 m (60-80 ft) ; as a houseplant, slow-growing and often stays under 2.5 m (8 ft) .
Mature Spread: 8-12 m (25-40 ft) in landscape settings.
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast outdoors; slow-growing indoors .
Hardiness Zones: USDA 9-11 (suitable for coastal and subtropical climates) .
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade .
Core Benefits: Iconic architectural form, excellent for coastal landscapes (salt-tolerant), unique prehistoric plant, popular as an indoor Christmas tree and potted plant .
Best Uses: Specimen tree in large gardens, coastal plantings, parks, street trees (in mild climates), indoor houseplant, holiday decoration .

Q: Can I grow a Norfolk Island Pine indoors?
A: Yes, it is a popular and attractive houseplant. However, it requires bright, indirect light and high humidity to thrive indoors . It is a slow grower in a pot and will not reach its massive outdoor size .

Q: Is the Norfolk Island Pine a true pine tree?
A: No, despite its common name, it is not a true pine (Pinus). It belongs to the ancient family Araucariaceae, a group of conifers that dates back to the Jurassic period .

Q: Is it hardy and can it tolerate cold?
A: It is a tropical/subtropical tree and is not cold-hardy. It can only tolerate brief temperatures down to around 35°F (2°C) and is best suited for USDA zones 9-11 . It is, however, highly tolerant of salt spray, making it ideal for coastal gardens .

Q: Why are there two different types of leaves on my tree?
A: This is a normal characteristic of the species, known as "heterophylla" (meaning different leaves). Young trees and the side branches of mature trees have soft, needle-like, curved leaves, while the upper branches of mature, cone-bearing trees develop scale-like, overlapping leaves .