Cassinia aculeata
Australian Tauhinu
Overview
Cassinia aculeata is an upright shrub reaching 3-10 feet (1-3 m) tall and 3-6 feet (1-2 m) wide, with slender erect stems branching toward the top. Narrow leaves are 0.2-0.8 inch (5-20 mm) long, green above and white-hairy beneath, with margins rolled under, and release a resinous scent when crushed. Small cream to white flower heads are grouped in dense flattened to rounded clusters 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) across at the stem tips. Flowering occurs in summer. The clusters dry to pale brown and persist on the plant for several weeks. Growth is rapid, and the species often colonises disturbed ground, roadsides, and recently burnt sites as a short-lived pioneer. Plants reach full size within 2-3 years and are typically short-lived, declining after 5-8 years. Stems become woody and sparse at the base with age. Self-seeds freely in open ground, producing numerous seedlings where soil is bare.
Native Range
Native to south-eastern Australia, including Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, and Queensland. Grows in open forest, heathland, riverbanks, and disturbed or recently burnt ground in a range of well-drained soils.Suggested Uses
Used in revegetation, windbreaks, and native gardens on disturbed or sloping ground, spaced 3-5 feet (1-1.5 m) apart. Suits informal screening and erosion control on banks. The short lifespan and free self-seeding make it less suited to formal, low-maintenance beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowers in summer (December to February in its native range), with the dried flower heads persisting into autumn. The cream flower heads age to pale brown rather than dropping. Flowering shifts earlier in warmer inland sites.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to whiteFoliage Description
green above, white beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-8 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
Grows in full sun to part shade in most well-drained soils, including sandy and gravelly types. Water through the first season to establish; mature plants tolerate dry conditions. Tolerates light to moderate frost. Growth is fast and may become open and woody at the base after a few years. The species is short-lived, declining after 5-8 years, and is usually replaced rather than rejuvenated. Cut back after flowering to delay legginess and reduce self-seeding.Pruning
Cut back by up to one third after flowering to maintain density and limit self-seeding. Tip prune young plants to encourage branching. Old woody plants respond poorly to hard pruning and are usually replaced.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall