Banksia menziesii (Firewood Banksia, Menzies Banksia, West Coast Banksia)


Michael's Opinion

Plants can re-grow from a lignotuber or epicormic bud after a brush fire.

Botanical Information

FamilyProteaceae
GenusBanksia
Speciesmenziesii
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen), Shrub (evergreen)
OriginNative to Western Australia.

Details

USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-4
Temperature (°F)25
Height1.5 - 8 m
Spread1 - 3 m
Flowering PeriodFebruary, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Description and Growing Information

LandscapeOrnamental use and cut-flowers.
PropagationSow seed in individual pots to prevent root disturbance during transplanting. Media should be a mix a 3:1 mix of perlite to peat. Keep soil moist and germination should occur in 1-3 months with no pre-treatment.
CultivationIt is not tolerant of high humidity and thus cultivation should be avoided in those areas.
Notable SpecimensKings Park and Botanical Garden, Perth, Australia.
HabitatSandy soils in scrublands and low wood land.
Leaf DescriptionOblong in shape and somewhat truncate at the tips. 8 - 25 cm long and p to 4 cm wide. The new leaves are finely downy. Leaf margins are serrated with many small 1 - 2 mm long triangular teeth.
Flower DescriptionThe inflorescences appear in autumn and winter. Yellow blooms are rarely seen. Ovoid to cylindrical in shape, flower spikes can be 7 - 8 cm wide and 4 - 12 cm high. Composed of numerous individual flowers.
Colour DescriptionThe leaves are a dull green and paler grey with new growth. The inflorescences are reddish-pink or yellow. The trunk is grey with shades of brown or pink.

Photographs