Australian Hazel Plant Care

Australian Hazel (Atherosperma moschatum) belongs to the Atherospermataceae family within the Atherosperma genus. Australian Hazel is native to south-eastern Australia. Australian Hazel is also known as Hazelwood, Ivorywood, Blackwood.

Australian Hazel displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Australian Hazel produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Australian Hazel every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Australian Hazel thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Australian Hazel in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Atherosperma moschatum tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Australian Hazel prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Australian Hazel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Australian Hazel every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Australian Hazel is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Australian Hazel can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Australian Hazel while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Australian Hazel is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Australian Hazel can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to southern sassafras plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Australian Hazel is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Australian Hazel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Australian Hazel is native to south-eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Australian Hazel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.