Allocasuarina littoralis, commonly known as Black She-oak, is a dioecious or less commonly monoecious tree or shrub, native to open woodlands and forest margins in eastern Australia. It typically grows to a height of 16-49 feet (5-15 meters) and has a distinctive slender, conical form. The foliage consists of fine, needle-like branchlets that resemble pine needles, giving it a soft, fine texture from a distance. These branchlets bear small, scale-like leaves arranged in whorls. The Black She-oak is notable for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with root nodules, which enhances soil fertility.

Black She-oak is valued for its hardiness and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it useful for reforestation projects and erosion control. It is also planted as an ornamental tree for its unique texture and form. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to light shade, tolerates a range of soil types, and requires little water once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for xeriscaping. It produces small, reddish-brown cones and has a moderate growth rate. However, gardeners should be aware of its potential invasiveness outside its native range and check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0