Sandfly Zieria
(Zieria smithii)
Sandfly Zieria (Zieria smithii)
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Geoff Derrin
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Geoff Derrin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Geoff Derrin | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Gderrin | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Zieria_smithii.jpg | Notes: Uploaded own work with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Zieria smithii, commonly known as Sandfly Zieria or Smithian Zieria, is a robust shrub native to coastal heathlands and dry sclerophyll forests of eastern Australia. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 meters with a similar spread. The plant is characterized by its trifoliate leaves, where each leaf is composed of three leaflets, and its clusters of small, white, four-petaled flowers that are often less conspicuous than the foliage. The flowering season occurs in spring, and the flowers, though not particularly showy, are attractive to a variety of pollinators.
Sandfly Zieria is valued for its hardiness and the pleasant aroma of its leaves, which are reminiscent of citronella, making it a natural insect repellent. It is often used in cultivation for ornamental purposes, particularly in native plant gardens and as a low-maintenance shrub in urban landscapes. It requires full sun to part shade, well-drained soils, and can tolerate dry conditions once established. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. This plant is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems, making it a suitable choice for residential gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Sandfly Zieria is valued for its hardiness and the pleasant aroma of its leaves, which are reminiscent of citronella, making it a natural insect repellent. It is often used in cultivation for ornamental purposes, particularly in native plant gardens and as a low-maintenance shrub in urban landscapes. It requires full sun to part shade, well-drained soils, and can tolerate dry conditions once established. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. This plant is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems, making it a suitable choice for residential gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 4-6.5 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
native to coastal heathlands and dry sclerophyll forests of eastern Australia
Other Names
Common Names: Sandfly Bush, Lanoline Bush, Smithian Zieria
Scientific Names: , Zieria smithii, Zieria lanceolata, Zieria trifoliata, Zieria smithii var. parviflora, Zieria smithii subsp. tomentosa, Zieria smithii var. typica,
GBIF Accepted Name: Zieria smithii Jacks.