Hakea dactyloides
finger hakea
Overview
Hakea dactyloides is an evergreen shrub to small tree in the family Proteaceae, growing 6.6-16 feet (2-5 m) tall and 6.6-13 feet (2-4 m) wide. Unlike the needle-leaved hakeas, it has flat, leathery, lance-shaped leaves 2-5.9 inch (5-15 cm) long with three to five prominent longitudinal veins and a sharp point at the tip. In spring and early summer clusters of small creamy-white flowers form in the leaf axils along the stems, lightly scented and rich in nectar. Hard, woody, beaked fruits 1-1.4 inch (2.5-3.5 cm) long follow, holding two winged seeds that are released after the fruit is killed by fire or dies. Hakea dactyloides grows on sandy and rocky soils in dry sclerophyll forest, woodland, and heath across eastern Australia and tolerates drought and exposure. It is sensitive to high-phosphorus fertilisers and to wet, poorly drained soils. The smooth, broad leaves make it easier to handle than prickly hakeas, and the dense habit suits screening.
Native Range
Hakea dactyloides is native to eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales into eastern Victoria. It grows in dry sclerophyll forest, woodland, and heath on sandy and rocky soils, often in hilly country.Suggested Uses
Used as a screen, windbreak, and nectar shrub in low-water and native gardens on free-draining soils. The smooth broad leaves and dense habit suit screening and bird-attracting plantings, and the woody fruits and foliage are used in cut arrangements.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6'7" - 16'
Width/Spread6'7" - 13'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly in spring and early summer, around September to December in its native range. The small creamy-white flowers cluster in the leaf axils, are lightly scented, and draw bees, honeyeaters, and other nectar feeders. Woody beaked fruits develop afterward and may hold their seed on the plant for years.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Hakea dactyloides in full sun to light shade on sandy or rocky, sharply drained soil that is low in nutrients. It withstands drought, heat, wind, and light to moderate frost once established. Water during establishment, then sparingly, as it is prone to root rot in wet or heavy ground. Use only low-phosphorus native fertiliser, since high-phosphorus feeds damage the roots of this family. It responds to pruning into leafy wood and can be shaped as a screen or hedge while young.Pruning
Prune after flowering, cutting into leafy wood to keep the plant dense and shaped as a screen or hedge. Hard cutting into bare old wood is poorly tolerated and may not reshoot. Dead or storm-damaged branches can be removed at any time of year.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons