I herby nominate the Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) as the ugliest tree in Florida.

With apologies to my friends in the garden center business who sell these as living Christmas trees that can be planted outdoors, and live for years. It is deep rooted, has few insect or disease problems, tolerates high humidity, poor soil, and salt, and does not need pruning. All true. For the first decade, it can retain its natural, pyramid shape. But then something happens. It outgrows its usefulness.

In its native habitat on Norfolk Island/New Caledonia, east of Australia, this needled, non-pine tree can grow up to 200 feet tall! Therein lies the problem. Tall things in Florida break, blow over or get struck by lighting. I did not have to drive far in my neighborhood in S.W. Florida to find numerous, older specimens that show typical hurricane scars. Some are beyond unsightly and are now a serious safety issue. What was once an asset has grown into a liability.

So, despite its ease of care, keep in mind, the Norfolk Island Pine does not grow old gracefully.