Nuytsia floribunda
western Australian christmas tree
Overview
Nuytsia floribunda is a deciduous to semi-evergreen tree in the family Loranthaceae, the mistletoe family, growing 20–33 feet (6–10 m) tall and 13–20 feet (4–6 m) wide, though it is often shorter and shrubby. It is a root hemiparasite: it makes its own sugars through green leaves but draws water and nutrients from the roots of surrounding grasses, shrubs, and trees through specialised attachments called haustoria. The leaves are dull green, narrow, and 1–4 inches (2.5–10 cm) long. In summer the tree carries dense sprays of orange to golden-yellow flowers, each about 0.5 inch (12 mm) across, that cover the crown for several weeks around December and January. Winged fruits follow, each with three papery wings. The species is native to south-western Western Australia, where it grows on sand plains, in heath, and in open woodland. It is difficult to grow in cultivation because the young plant must attach to host roots to thrive, and transplanting established trees rarely succeeds. The brittle roots spread widely and can attach to garden plants and lawns nearby.
Native Range
Nuytsia floribunda is native to south-western Western Australia, from north of Geraldton south to the south coast. It grows on sand plains, in heath, and in open woodland, drawing on the roots of surrounding plants for water and nutrients.Suggested Uses
Grown as a flowering specimen tree in large native and dry-climate gardens on sandy soils. Used in revegetation of sand plain and heath where host plants are present. Suited to parks and open spaces where its wide-spreading roots have room away from cultivated beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 33'
Width/Spread13' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in summer, mainly through December and January in the native range, which gives the tree its common name. The flowers are orange to golden-yellow and cover the crown in dense sprays for several weeks. Winged fruits develop after flowering.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
orange to golden-yellowFoliage Description
dull greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-11 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
Nuytsia floribunda grows in full sun on deep, free-draining sandy soils in a warm, dry-summer climate. As a root hemiparasite, the young plant needs nearby host plants, such as grasses, whose roots it attaches to for water and nutrients. It is drought-tolerant once established and suited to low-water, Mediterranean-type conditions. Establishment from seed is slow and uncertain, and transplanting older plants rarely succeeds. The tree tolerates light frost but grows better in mild winters. Excess water and poorly drained soil cause it to decline.Pruning
Nuytsia floribunda needs little pruning and is left to form its natural open crown. Remove dead or damaged wood when it appears. Heavy pruning is not done, as the species responds poorly to it.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall