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Banksia integrifolia

coastal banksia

Proteaceae Eastern Australia

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Banksia integrifolia is an evergreen tree native to the eastern coast of Australia, ranging from gnarled, wind-shaped forms 16 feet (5 m) tall on exposed headlands to upright trees reaching 82 feet (25 m) in sheltered forest. The leathery leaves are arranged in whorls, dark green above and silvery-white beneath, 1.5-8 inches (4-20 cm) long with smooth (entire) margins, the feature behind the name integrifolia. Cylindrical flower spikes 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) tall carry hundreds of pale yellow flowers and appear mainly from autumn into winter, holding abundant nectar that draws honeyeaters, lorikeets, and small mammals. After flowering the spikes age into woody cones studded with follicles that open to release winged seeds. Bark is grey and rough. The species tolerates salt wind and sandy coastal soils but drops leaves and old cones that create litter beneath the canopy.

Native Range

Native to the eastern coast of Australia from Victoria north to central Queensland, growing on coastal dunes, headlands, and in nearby open forest.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a coastal windbreak, street tree, or nectar source in bird gardens, and used to stabilize sandy soils. Smaller wind-pruned forms suit exposed seaside sites. Its eventual size and leaf litter limit use in small gardens.

How to Identify

Recognized by whorls of leathery leaves that are dark green above and white below, with smooth margins. Pale yellow cylindrical flower spikes in autumn and winter and grey woody seed cones are characteristic. Young growth is coated in rusty hairs.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height16' - 82'

Width/Spread13' - 33'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Fall Winter

Pale yellow flower spikes appear mainly from autumn into winter, between about March and June, though scattered flowering can occur year round. Each spike opens its flowers in a ring that moves up the cylinder over several weeks. Spent spikes harden into woody cones.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

dark green above, silvery-white below

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-10 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Banksia integrifolia grows in full sun on well-drained sandy or loamy soils and tolerates salt-laden coastal wind. It withstands drought once established and needs little supplementary water. The species accepts the low-phosphorus conditions typical of native plants and can be harmed by phosphorus-rich fertilizers. It tolerates light frost to about 23 F (-5 C). Growth is moderately fast, and plants respond to pruning by branching more densely. Dropped leaves and woody cones accumulate beneath the canopy and may need clearing in tidy gardens.

Pruning

Prune after flowering to shape the canopy and encourage bushier growth; the species reshoots readily from cut stems. Tip pruning of young plants builds density. Old flower cones can be removed for appearance or left for seed.