Sign In 
Get Premium Heath-Leaved Banksia
(Banksia ericifolia)
Heath-Leaved Banksia (Banksia ericifolia)
/
/
Tim
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Tim
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Tim | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Tim | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-04-29T15:35:05-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Banksia ericifolia, commonly known as Heath-leaved Banksia or Lantern Banksia, is an evergreen shrub native to the eastern coastal regions of Australia, particularly found in heathland and sclerophyll forests. This species typically reaches a height and width of up to 6 meters (20 feet), though often it is smaller in cultivation. The Heath-leaved Banksia is characterized by its fine, needle-like foliage and striking inflorescences, which are large cylindrical flower spikes that appear in autumn or winter. These spikes are composed of hundreds of small flowers, predominantly red or gold, with styles that can be golden, orange, orange-red, or burgundy, making them quite showy.
The Heath-leaved Banksia is valued for its vibrant flower spikes that attract a variety of birds, contributing to local biodiversity. It is used in urban planting, as a street plant, and in residential gardens for its ornamental appeal and resilience. While it adapts to a range of soil types, it thrives in sandy, well-drained, acidic soils and requires full sun exposure. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from additional watering during prolonged dry periods. Regular pruning helps maintain a compact form and encourages more prolific flowering. Potential problems include sensitivity to iron deficiency and phytophthora root rot. It is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range but should be monitored to ensure it does not become a problem.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Heath-leaved Banksia is valued for its vibrant flower spikes that attract a variety of birds, contributing to local biodiversity. It is used in urban planting, as a street plant, and in residential gardens for its ornamental appeal and resilience. While it adapts to a range of soil types, it thrives in sandy, well-drained, acidic soils and requires full sun exposure. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from additional watering during prolonged dry periods. Regular pruning helps maintain a compact form and encourages more prolific flowering. Potential problems include sensitivity to iron deficiency and phytophthora root rot. It is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range but should be monitored to ensure it does not become a problem.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 5-8 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Orange, Red
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to heathland and sclerophyll forests in eastern coastal regions of Australia
Other Names
Common Names: Lantern Banksia, Heath Banksia
Scientific Names: , Banksia ericifolia,
GBIF Accepted Name: Banksia ericifolia L.fil.