Coast Banksia
Banksia integrifolia

Family: Proteaceae

What it is like

Banksia integrifolia is an evergreen Tree growing to 9 m (29ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 9

Where it is found

Basalt and red sand areas, usually by the coast but also found at higher elevations where it can be very gnarled and stunted.

Australia - New South Wales, S. Queensland, Victoria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The flowers are rich in nectar and this is sometimes harvested as a food. It is best harvested in the morning before birds and evaporation deplete the yields. The flowers can be sucked or soaked in water in order to obtain the nectar.

Nectar: produced in such abundance by some flowers that it can be harvested fairly easily.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The bark contains about 10% tannin. Used as a rootstock for other members of this genus. Wood - soft, easily worked, pinkish with a prominent grain. It is highly decorative but the plants tend to be gnarled and irregular thus limiting its use. Used for veneers, furniture etc.

Rootstock: Plants used as the rootstock for grafting scions onto.

Tannin: An astringent substance obtaied from plants, it is used medicinally, as a dye and mordant, stabilizer in pesticide etc.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Succeeds in most soils. Requires a lime-free soil. Thrives in acid sandy loams. Prefers a pH between 6.3 and 6.5. If this species is to be successfully cultivated, the soil should be low in nutrients, especially in nitrates and phosphates. Quite resistant to wind and salt spray, it grows well by the coast. Plants growing in exposed positions have entire leaves whilst those in sheltered positions have serrated leaves. Plants require greenhouse protection in most parts of Britain but they succeed outdoors on a sheltered wall in the mildest areas of the country. Plants in Australian gardens tolerate temperatures down to at least -7°c, but this cannot be translated directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers and longer colder and wetter winters. A polymorphic species, there are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value. A good bee plant.

Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in an ericaceous compost as soon as the seed is ripe or as soon as it is obtained and do not exclude light. Seal the pot in a plastic bag until germination takes place, which can take 1 - 3 months or more at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in sand in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

B. spicata.