Olearia lirata
snowy daisy-bush
Overview
Olearia lirata is an erect, open shrub reaching 2-4 m (6.5-13 ft) tall and 1.5-3 m (5-10 ft) wide. The lance-shaped leaves are 4-11 cm (1.6-4.3 in) long, dark green and slightly rough above and densely white-felted beneath, with wavy, finely toothed margins. In spring the shrub carries large terminal panicles of white daisy flowerheads, each head 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) across with white ray florets around a yellow disc. Flowering can cover much of the canopy. The fruit is a small ribbed achene tipped with a pappus of bristles that carries the seed on the wind. The species is a fast-growing pioneer of disturbed ground, forest margins, and gully slopes in moist, fertile soils. It is relatively short-lived, often declining after eight to twelve years as longer-lived species overtop it. Limitation: the soft new growth is frost-sensitive, and the shrub becomes open and bare at the base with age.
Native Range
Southeastern Australia, including New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, and Tasmania. It grows in wet sclerophyll forest, along streams, and on disturbed forest margins.Suggested Uses
Grown as a fast screen or filler in native and bushland gardens and in revegetation of disturbed sites and gully slopes. It suits informal hedging and habitat plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6'6" - 13'
Width/Spread5' - 10'
Bloom Information
White daisy flowerheads open in spring, mainly September to November. Flowering is profuse and lasts about four to six weeks. The wind-dispersed seed ripens in early summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with yellow centreFoliage Description
dark green above, white beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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