Want a different Christmas tree this year? Many native species fit the bill

Christmas trees come in many sizes, but overwhelmingly the shape and scent remain the same. 

A conical evergreen tree with a whiff of pine.

Whether you're a Christmas tree traditionalist or looking for a conversation starter, many Australian species of flowering plants and trees could be used as a substitute for the introduced species many associate with Christmas.

And many can stay potted for decades or be planted and become a home for birds and bees.

Botanist and nursery owner Rae Young says she would struggle to choose a favourite native substitute, but she believes there is one to suit almost any taste.

A more traditional tree

If looking for a native species that is conical and hits the right aromatic notes, Ms Young recommends purchasing a local conifer or pine.

Based in Hobart, Ms Young has recommended some species that may be difficult to buy outside of Tasmania but suggests asking your local nursery for support in choosing a native flowering plant or tree for Christmas.

Callitris rhomboidea, commonly known as the Oyster Bay pine, forms an attractive conical shape and is aromatic.

It is a medium-sized tree that will soon need to be planted in the ground after use because of its fast growth, but it has attractive weeping branchlets perfect for hanging baubles in the festive season.

For a slow growing conifer that can remain potted for years to come, Ms Young points to three species endemic to Tasmania.

Athrotaxis selaginoides, commonly known as King Billy pine is her first pick. 

Closely followed by Athrotaxis cupressioides, pencil pine, and intermediate pine, Athrotaxis x laxifolia. 

"Give them shade and moisture and they will love you for a long time," Ms Yong says.

"All have lush, dark green foliage."

Less traditional, more fun

For a Christmas tree that comes decorated, Ms Young recommends tea-tree, a widely available plant.

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as manuka, Leptospermum lanigerum, woolly tea-tree and Leptospermum grandiflorum. 

"All three tea-trees make a great choice for an Aussie Christmas", Ms Young says.

"They don't get to be huge, but you'll get quick growth."

All three species grow to approximately three metres tall and many flower at Christmas, creating a natural decoration amongst the baubles and tinsel.

"Once you've used your tree for a couple of years, you can plant it in the garden, where it will produce plentiful nectar and has the right flowers to attract our native bees." Ms Young says.

Beaked hakea, Hakea epiglottis, is a shrub with arching branches.

It has an abundance of yellow flowers in spring.

"While it's not your typical Christmas tree, it has an irregular form that is ideal for hanging baubles on," Ms Young says.

It will grow to one metre in approximately five years.

"Keep it in the pot, or better still, plant it in your garden and it'll flower and produce lots of nectar."

Conversation starters

If size doesn't matter, a slow growing species that can spark conversations may be your preference.

Ms Young describes Tasmania's slow growing and naturally droopy Huon pine, Lagarostrobus franklinii, as a "handsome" conifer that can remain potted and used for Christmas over and over.

In optimum conditions, a Huon pine can grow to 1 metre in a decade and will need little repotting in that time.

"It's like owning a parrot, you have to put it in your will because it lives for such a long time." Ms Young says.

"It's a fabulous little Christmas tree."

Celery top pine, Phyllocladus aspleniifolius, is another slow growing tree.

It makes a memorable Christmas tree because of its "striking, pyramidal form with thick leathery leaves resembling celery."

For all species, Ms Young recommends leaving them indoors for no longer than four to six weeks.

She suggests placing your potted flowering plant or tree in a location with natural light and making sure you water the pot. 

For decorations, Ms Young tries to keep it environmentally friendly.

Paper daisies lightly painted with natural paint, or decorated with eco-friendly glitter, are a lightweight and eye-catching degradable decoration.

Bulloak, Allocasuarina littoralis, produces many cones and is endemic to eastern Australia.

It can be used as a Christmas tree and its cones can be painted and hung as decorations.

But Ms Young's favourite decoration for the Christmas tree is edible.

"My favourite decorations are chocolate, you just eat them and you don't have to store them," Ms Young says.

"Next year you just buy them again."