Athrotaxis selaginoides aka King William Pine

Athrotaxis selaginoides is an evergreen tree. It belongs to Cupressaceae, the cypress family. Its common names include King William pine and jointed yew. Another name is Tasmanian cedar. It comes from western and southwestern Tasmania, not Britain or Ireland. It grows in cool rainforest, where snow is frequent in winter. These forests get about 5–6.6 feet [1.5–2 metres] of rain each year.

This tree grows very slowly and keeps its leaves year-round. PFAF lists its height as 98 feet [30 metres]. It gives a width of 20 feet [6 metres]. These sizes reflect its full growth, not a short-term garden result. It can form the canopy of a woodland garden. Its large final size needs space, despite its slow growth. The wood is soft, lasts well, and is easy to work. It has a cedar-like scent and has value as timber.

Each tree bears both male and female parts for reproduction. Wind carries the pollen. Seeds ripen from September to October. PFAF says trees can yield fertile seed in western Britain. The supplied species account gives no time for flowering. Nor does it give details of this species' leaf shape or bark. The RHS describes those traits for the genus as a whole. That account does not cover this species alone.

In gardens, it needs shelter and rich soil. The soil must stay moist but drain well. It accepts sand, loam, or clay. Soil can be mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline. Sun and light woodland shade both suit it. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10. Yet it warns that hardiness is limited across much of Britain. Trees grow well outdoors in southern and western districts. Growth is best in wet areas such as Cornwall and Ireland. Those local limits matter more than a zone number alone.

Sow seed in a cool greenhouse in February or March. Keep young plants in a greenhouse through at least their first winter. Plant them out after the expected last frost. Do this in late spring or early summer. Cuttings taken in early autumn offer another way to raise plants. PFAF records no known food or medicinal uses. It also records no known hazards. This does not mean the tree is safe for people or pets. The evidence names no pests or diseases. PFAF does not flag the tree as a weed risk.