Louisa Anne Meredith, no rights reserved (CC0) · Wikimedia Commons
Bursaria spp.
Overview
Bursaria spp. is a genus of about seven evergreen shrubs to small trees in the family Pittosporaceae, native to Australia. Most species are spiny, branching plants 6-30 ft (2-9 m) tall, with small alternate or clustered leaves and short side branchlets ending in sharp spines. In summer they bear large terminal sprays of small cream to white flowers, each with five petals and a sweet honey scent that draws bees, butterflies, and other insects. The flowers are followed by the flattened, purse-shaped seed capsules that give the genus its name, which persist on the plant and turn brown. Bursaria spp. grows in a wide range of habitats from dry woodland and grassland to forest margins, on many soil types. The spiny growth forms dense thickets that shelter small birds but make the plants awkward to handle. In gardens the genus takes full sun to part shade, tolerates drought and frost once established, and reshoots after cutting or fire, though its thorns and suckering in some species limit its use in small spaces.
Native Range
Bursaria spp. is native to Australia, with species occurring in all mainland states and Tasmania. The genus grows in dry sclerophyll woodland, grassland, coastal scrub, and forest margins on a wide range of soils, from sands to clays.Suggested Uses
Used as a barrier or screening hedge, in habitat and revegetation plantings, and in dry native gardens. The summer flowers support bees and butterflies, and the thorny habit shelters small birds. Spaced 5-10 ft (1.5-3 m) apart for a screen.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 30'
Width/Spread6' - 15'
Bloom Information
Across the genus, sprays of small cream to white flowers open through summer, mainly December to February, releasing a strong honey scent. The flowers draw large numbers of bees, butterflies, and other insects. Flat purse-shaped capsules follow and persist into autumn and winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to whiteFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Most species grow in full sun to part shade on well-drained soils and tolerate dry, stony, and seasonally hard ground. Once established they withstand drought, wind, and moderate frost, and reshoot from the base after cutting or fire. Water young plants through their first dry season, then rely on rainfall. The spiny growth needs room, and gloves are useful at planting and pruning. Some species sucker, so a barrier or open setting suits confined gardens. Feeding is seldom needed.Pruning
Prune after flowering to shape and contain size, cutting into leafy or older wood, from which the genus reshoots. Remove suckers at the base in suckering species. Hedging is tolerated where a thorny barrier is wanted.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall