White Cypress Pine

Callitris glaucophylla

White cypress pine is a softwood widely distributed in inland areas of Australia with moderate rainfall. Today it forms extensive forests only in the Tambo-Dalby-Inglewood region of southern Queensland and the Baradine-Narrabri and Cobar districts of northern New South Wales. White cypress pine is a small to medium-sized tree, usually growing to about 18 m tall and 0.45 m in diameter at breast height, but occasionally reaching 30 m by 0.9 m.

Cypress Pine Description
Heartwood is light-yellow to dark-brown and has frequent dark-brown knots, and sapwood is pale yellow and wide. The texture is very fine and even and grain is straight. The wood has a characteristic resinous odour and has a slightly greasy feel.

Cypress Pine Density
Green density is about 770 kg/m3, air-dry density about 680 kg/m3, and basic density about 580 kg/m3.

Cypress Pine Workability
With workability, the timber is brittle and care is needed when working. Knots and resin are common, which can affect workability. It is inadvisable to dress timber at low moisture contents because of its brittleness, and it tends to split when nailed and pre-drilling is recommended. Owing to its susceptibility to fine surface checking, white cypress pine is one timber which gives a better painting performance when coated in the unseasoned condition, and by slowing the initial drying rate the coating inhibits the formation of checks. The timber is unusual in that both sapwood and heartwood are very difficult to impregnate with preservatives, even when high pressures are applied.

Cypress Pine Durability
Durability Class based on the CSIRO 1996 ratings is 2 for decay, and 2 for decay + termites combined. The sapwood is resistant to Lyctus borer attack because the insects do not attack softwoods, only pored species.

Cypress Pine Uses
Building framework, Fence posts, Landscaping, Pergolas, Gazebos and decking.