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(Banksia menziesii)
Firewood Banksia (Banksia menziesii)
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Jean and Fred Hort
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Jean and Fred Hort
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jean and Fred Hort | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: jeans_Photos | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Banksia menziesii, commonly known as firewood banksia, is a gnarled tree or shrub in the genus Banksia. It is native to the Mediterranean climate regions of southwestern Australia, where it thrives in sandy soils and scrubland, often in kwongan heathland communities. As a tree, it can reach up to 10 m (33 ft) tall, but in the northern parts of its range, it more commonly takes the form of a spreading shrub 1–3 m (3.3–9.8 ft) tall. The leaves are serrated and dull green, with new growth appearing a paler grey-green. The species is particularly noted for its striking bicolored inflorescences, which bloom in autumn and winter and can be red, pink, and yellow, leading to the names port wine banksia and strawberry banksia. The flowers are not only showy but also attract a variety of wildlife, including birds and bees, which are drawn to the nectar.
The firewood banksia is valued for its ease of cultivation in Mediterranean climates, its distinctive two-toned flowers, and its adaptability to pruning, which allows it to be shaped as desired. It is often used in residential gardens for its ornamental flowers and can also serve as a feature plant in native plantings. The plant prefers sandy, well-drained soils and a sunny location. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires little water, making it suitable for xeriscaping. A dwarf cultivar is available for smaller gardens. While generally easy to grow, Banksia menziesii is susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi dieback, which can be a significant problem. Seeds germinate without pretreatment in about 26 to 40 days.CC BY-SA 4.0
The firewood banksia is valued for its ease of cultivation in Mediterranean climates, its distinctive two-toned flowers, and its adaptability to pruning, which allows it to be shaped as desired. It is often used in residential gardens for its ornamental flowers and can also serve as a feature plant in native plantings. The plant prefers sandy, well-drained soils and a sunny location. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires little water, making it suitable for xeriscaping. A dwarf cultivar is available for smaller gardens. While generally easy to grow, Banksia menziesii is susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi dieback, which can be a significant problem. Seeds germinate without pretreatment in about 26 to 40 days.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 6-8 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red, Pink, Orange
- Flowering Season: Fall, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Mediterranean climate regions of southwestern Australia, often in kwongan heathland communities
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Banksia menziesii, Sirmuellera menziesii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Banksia menziesii R.Br.