Petrophile pulchella, commonly known as Conesticks, is an evergreen shrub native to the open forests and heathlands of eastern Australia, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland. It thrives in shallow, nutrient-poor sandstone soils and is adapted to both sheltered and exposed environments. This species typically reaches heights of 5-10 feet (1.5-3 meters) in sheltered locations but remains dwarfed at around 20 inches (50 cm) in exposed heathland. Petrophile pulchella has a distinctive appearance with needle-shaped leaves and cream-colored, silky-hairy flowers that are arranged in oval heads, blooming from late winter to early summer. The fruits are unique, consisting of nuts fused together in an oval head, which are released following fire events.

Conesticks are valued for their unique flower heads and foliage, making them an attractive choice for native plant gardens, rockeries, and as a textural contrast in mixed borders. They are drought-tolerant once established and require minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun to part shade. While they prefer well-drained soils, they can tolerate a range of soil types as long as they are not waterlogged. In cultivation, they are often used to attract native wildlife, including bees which are potential pollinators. The plant’s adaptation to regenerate after fire from a canopy-stored seedbank is a notable survival mechanism.CC BY-SA 4.0