Where found:

• Scattered throughout Taranaki, away from coastal winds, especially in the eastern hill country.
  
• Damp depressions on relatively sheltered free draining slopes. Grows well in gullies but has been known to topple.
  
• Mainly suited to the lower half to two thirds of the slope depending on soil depth.
  

• Medium to tall upright deciduous tree, usually with one main leader and conical crown with medium spread.
  
• Smooth leaf with finely serrated (teeth) margins. Flushes pinkish-green in late September to early October. Leaves become green above and pale grey-green below.
  
• Male flowers usually appear when the tree is at least 5 years old. Densely arranged in hanging catkins that usually appear before the leaves.
  
• Bark of young tree is finely fissured and light brown. Hardens and becomes rougher with age.
  
• Moderately affected by wind. Moderate to high leaf spot and rust resistance.
  
• Low possum palatability.
  
• Used for soil conservation (slope stabilisation, especially wet areas), shade, shelter, stock fodder and timber.

Planting for timber

• Rotation: 20 years
  Wood properties: pale coloured, low density with fine even texture. Susceptible to sapstain and tension wood leading to difficulties drying and sawing. Tough and resistant to splitting. Easy to work, glue and stain.
  
• Used for joinery, flooring, veneer, boxes, crates, fence battens, gates, decking and pulp.