Palm-like tree which grows to 20 or 30 feet, and unlike most true palms it has many branches high up on trunk. Leaves in tufts at end of branches, each leaf sword-like, rather stiff, long (18-36"), and narrow (1-2" wide). Numerous, small, white, fragrant flowers in much-branched clusters at end of branches in summer. Despite its palm-like appearance, this is not a true palm.

This is the hardiest of the Cordylines, to 15 degrees F or lower. It is also drought tolerant. The genus "Cordyline" is from the Greek for club ("kordyle") and alludes to the shape of the roots; "australis" is from the Latin word for southern. The Maoris of New Zealand used Cordyline australis as a source of fibers and also for medicinal uses. The common name "cabbage tree" was given by early European settlers in New Zealand who used the inner leaves and stem as a cooked or raw vegetable. Although not a true dracaena, cordylines are often sold in nurseries as species of the true dracaena, genus Dracaena.