Contents About this booklet 2 1. Why indigenous gardening? 3 Top ten reasons to use indigenous plants 3 Indigenous plants of Whitehorse 4 Where can I buy indigenous plants of Whitehorse? 4 2. Sustainable Gardening Principles 5 Make your garden a wildlife garden 6 3. Tips for Successful Planting 8 1. Plant selection 8 2. Pre-planting preparation 10 3. Planting technique 12 4. Early maintenance 14 4. Designing your Garden 16 Climbers 16 Hedges and borders 17 Groundcovers and fillers 17 Lawn alternatives 18 Feature trees 18 Screen plants 19 Damp & shady spots 19 Edible plants 20 Colourful flowers 21 5. 94 Species Indigenous to Whitehorse 23 6. Weeds of Whitehorse 72 7. Further Resources 81 8. Index of Plants 83 Alphabetically by Botanical Name 83 Alphabetically by Common Name 85 9. Glossary 87
1 In the spirit of About this booklet reconciliation, Whitehorse City Council This booklet has been written by Whitehorse acknowledges the City Council to help gardeners and landscapers Wurundjeri people as adopt sustainable gardening principles by using the traditional owners indigenous plants commonly found in Whitehorse. of the land now known The collective effort of residents gardening with as Whitehorse and pays indigenous species can make a big difference to respects to its elders preserving and enhancing our biodiversity. past and present. We would like to acknowledge the volunteers of the Blackburn & District Tree Preservation Society, Whitehorse Community Indigenous Plant Project Inc. (Bungalook Nursery) and Greenlink Box Hill Nursery for their efforts to protect and enhance the indigenous flora of Whitehorse. Information provided by these groups is included in this guide. Thank-you to Bernie Heinze at the Victorian Apiarists’ Association for providing information about indigenous species and their potential for producing honey for urban beekeepers. Photographs: Neil Blair Ian Moodie David Edwards Anthony Owen Craig Cleeland Sam Trollope Suzette Hosken Millie Wells Lyn Meredith Cathy Willis
Whitehorse City Council would like to acknowledge Manningham City Council and Nillumbik Shire Council for granting permission to adapt parts of their publications including Native Splendour and Live Local Plant Local: A guide to planting in Nillumbik. 2 1 Indigenous gardening
Why indigenous gardening?
There are many reasons why years to be suited to our local gardeners are increasingly conditions. favouring indigenous plants. As a result, the indigenous plants Indigenous plants are the of Whitehorse are well-matched to original flora, or plants, that the soils, topography and climate occur naturally in a given of the area. They are a great cost- location. They have developed effective and low-maintenance and adapted over thousands of option for your garden.
REASONS TO USE TOP 10 INDIGENOUS PLANTS
1 They are beautiful, elegant plants that will add a new landscape dimension to your garden. 2 They need less water to be established and maintained. 3 They don’t need fertiliser. 4 They are tolerant of local conditions and help retain the local character of an area. 5 They are often quick to establish and more resilient to disease. 6 They can be purchased at a low price compared to other species from local nurseries. 7 They provide important habitat for local birds, insects and reptiles. 8 They help maintain the ecological balance and natural biodiversity of the area. 9 They often flower within the first season of being planted. 10 They can help to prevent locally rare and threatened species from becoming extinct. 3 Indigenous Plants of the genetic diversity within the Whitehorse local plant community. Whilst all of the indigenous plant species of The natural bushland of the Whitehorse can be found within Whitehorse area once included other areas, the genetic make-up expansive woodlands, grasslands, varies from place to place. It is herb fields and wetlands. More this diversity within a particular than 570 species of flora have species that makes for a robust been identified as indigenous to and adaptable plant community the Whitehorse area. Preserving particularly important in light the natural flora provides an of climate change and weather ideal habitat for native animals patterns becoming more and more including birds and insects and extreme. most importantly helps to maintain Over the last 150 years natural bushland has been cleared leaving us with small pockets of remnant BIODIVERSITY IS THE RANGE vegetation. You can help protect OF ALL FORMS OF LIFE ON the local ecology by gardening with EARTH INCLUDING MICRO-ORGANISMS, indigenous plants. The collective PLANTS, ANIMAL SPECIES, THE GENES effort of residents gardening with THEY CONTAIN AND THE COMMUNITIES indigenous species would make THEY BELONG TO. a significant contribution to the preservation of our local biodiversity.
Where can I buy indigenous Greenlink Nursery plants of Whitehorse? www.greenlinkboxhill.org 41 Wimmera Street, Box Hill North The City of Whitehorse is fortunate Open to the public for plant sales every to have three indigenous plant Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am to 12 nurseries capable of producing a noon (and occasional Saturdays). range of local flora. ParksWide Nursery Bungalook Nursery (03) 9262 6333 www.wcipp.org.au No plant sales to the public. Planners, developers and other commercial 63-107 Fulton Road, Blackburn South organisations should contact Councils Open to the public for plant sales on ParksWide Department for assistance with Wednesdays from 9.30 am to noon and larger plant orders. Fridays from 9.30 am to 1 pm.
4 2 Sustainable gardening principles
Gardens can be effectively designed, • Use sustainable and, ideally, constructed and maintained in a locally sourced or recycled way that enables the sparing and materials but avoid rocks, timber wise use of precious resources such and pebbles collected from the as water and fertilisers. They can wild. be designed in a way that improves • Set aside part of your backyard local biodiversity and protects for a productive garden. Enjoy surrounding natural bushland. fresh vegetables, fruit and herbs Consider the following to create a year round. sustainable garden: • Last but not least, provide habitat • Design to suit local conditions. for local native fauna (see next Indigenous species are well page for more information). matched to local conditions. • Avoid and remove plants that are environmental weeds such as agapanthus, ivy or blackberry. See Chapter 6 (p.72) for more information about weeds. • Plan for climate change by using water-wise plants where possible, mulching garden beds and using tank water for watering plants when necessary. • Avoid pesticides or chemicals that harm beneficial organisms or contaminate soil and water. • Recycle food and other household and garden waste using a compost bin or worm farm. Use the rich organic compost and liquid fertiliser to create a healthy life-giving soil. 5 Make your garden a wildlife garden By creating an indigenous garden, you can attract a range of wildlife including insects, birds and lizards. Other wildlife may visit depending upon the quality and connectivity of your garden to nearby habitat corridors. There are a number of ways you can design your garden to attract different kinds of wildlife. Different plants will attract different animals as indicated on the fact sheets in Chapter 5.
TOP 15 THINGS TO DO TO CREATE A WILDLIFE FRIENDLY GARDEN
1. Grow nectar plants for honeyeaters and bees such as Lightwood, Sweet Bursaria or Common Correa.
2. Include clumps of dense (and preferably spikey) shrubs together where birds can shelter.
4. Use natural 3. Leave old branches mulch or and logs amongst leaf litter for plants in garden beetles and beds for lizards, worms. grubs and insects.
5. Create a warm sheltered corner with some rocks in the sun for 6. Plant lizards. daisies for butterflies. 6 7. Keep cats in at night to protect nesting birds, reptiles and native mammals. 8. Keep the garden Keep them confined, perhaps by using chemical and an indoor-outdoor cat enclosure. insecticide free. POISON
9. Try to incorporate several tall mature eucalypts or wattles.
10. Create layers of vegetation including trees, climbers, shrubs and groundcovers
11. Install a nest box. 12. Place a birdbath in a high, sheltered location.
13. Build a frog-friendly pond. See the Sustainable Gardening Australia website www.sgaonline.org.au/frogs/
14. Grow native grasses and groundcovers such Kidney- weed as an alternative to 15. Cluster plants in groups lawns. 7 (instead of as separated specimens). 3 Tips for successful planting
There are four important steps for successful planting:
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Plant Pre-planting Planting Early selection preparation technique maintenance
Step 1. Plant selection
When it comes to selecting pots will not necessarily give you indigenous plants for your garden better results. Tubestock (plants always consider which species are in 15cm tall plastic tubes) is less most appropriate for your site. Our expensive and will generally catch up indigenous plant nurseries (p.4) will with and outgrow larger, more mature be able to help you with selecting stock. They are also easier to establish suitable plants. in difficult sites with poor soils. Consider how plants may interact The availability of plant stock from with each other, especially the your local indigenous nurseries may impact large trees may have in your influence your planting program. garden as they mature. If they are Many nurseries only grow a certain not carefully selected and positioned, range but can grow to order. When large trees may shade out sun-loving ordering large numbers of plants, plants underneath them, impact stock should be ordered well in nearby buildings or plumbing advance. with their vigorous roots, or create The best time of the year to purchase problems with leaves dropping in and plant indigenous plants is gutters. in late autumn, winter and early When choosing plants from a nursery, spring when the soil is moist and the remember that taller plants in larger weather not too hot.
8 Local provenance nurseries stock indigenous species that are not grown from locally You will have greater success with collected seeds or cuttings, and your planting if you use indigenous these plants may actually endanger plants that are of local provenance. the local genetic stock through These are plants grown from seeds interbreeding. When purchasing that have been collected locally from indigenous plants always make sure a range of the naturally occurring you ask where the seed or cutting vegetation in your area. Locally material was collected. See page 4 sourced plants are adapted to local to see where to purchase indigenous conditions and frequently grow species with local provenance. better than outside stock. Many
What to avoid in nursery stock
• Discounted plants – Cheaper plants can be of a lesser quality and past their ‘use-by date’, particularly after October. • Large or ‘leggy’ plants that are obviously too big for their pot. They are probably ‘pot-bound’. • Pot-bound spiral roots – Plants with roots curled around at the bottom of the pot have been in the pot for too long. They may be visible through drainage holes. The plants GOOD are often quite large or ‘leggy’. If in doubt, ask nursery staff to take the plant out of the pot to check. Look for BAD plenty of healthy, white, hairy roots growing outwards and downwards. • Exhausted potting mixes – Lack of nutrients in the potting mix can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Old mixes may lack other important trace elements such as iron and potassium. Avoid dry, compacted potting mixes. • Blemishes, leaf curling and discolouration – These are symptoms of stress, nutrient deficiency, disease or insect attack.
9 Step 2. Pre-planting preparation
To find the ideal spot for your plant, Soil consider its soil, moisture and Ideally, soil is loose and relatively sunlight requirements and potential fine-grained. However, Whitehorse size when fully grown. soils generally have a shallow topsoil and solid yellow clay below. These heavy clays can be improved by adding compost or other organic matter, or by digging in a little City of Whitehorse gypsum and watering prior to soil profile planting. Understanding our local soils Remember that indigenous plants will help you understand how have adapted to local soil conditions, plant roots behave in these so selecting the right plant for your soils. The bulk of the root is soil conditions and planting between often located in the upper, autumn and early spring will ensure more nutrient rich, penetrable topsoil. Many of the roots find success. niches in the subsoil to find Imported soils can bring new nutrients and water, but these weed seeds and diseases to your are predominantly required to neighbourhood, so always use locally anchor the plant. obtained soils if possible. Whitehorse’s soils are derived from decay of Silurian sedimentary rock, which Weeds formed from sandy deposits on the sea floor 375 million years Weeds should be controlled prior to ago. Slopes and hilltops have planting to reduce competition and a very shallow, often stony, post-planting maintenance. Mulch clay loam topsoil layer above a helps to prevent weed growth. subsoil of yellow clay. There are a range of techniques and products that can be effective in Valley floor soils are sandy controlling weeds, including both stream deposits. Topsoil depth chemical and non-chemical methods. varies greatly according to the aspect and the history of the See page 72 for a list of common site. garden weeds and their management.
10 Mulching tips
Pre-planting mulch • Avoid hot, steaming mulch, which Good quality mulch spread over indicates that it is still composting. your garden prior to planting to a • depth of about 5 - 7cm will allow rain Check for, and remove, mulch- penetration, suppress weeds and borne seedlings to prevent weed lessen soil moisture loss and can invasion. improve soil structure and nutrient • Spread mulch over soil that is availability. already well-moistened otherwise Ensure that the mulch you select is the mulch can inhibit the made from a sustainable resource. penetration of rainfall into the soil. Chipped waste wood and green • Water the mulch well after waste mulches are generally a good spreading. option. • Spread mulch then leave for a few Always ensure that any green waste days up to a month or so before has been well composted, otherwise planting. it may contain weed seeds and will • Avoid mixing the soil and the mulch also draw nitrogen from your soil. together. • When planting ensure that the mulch is kept away from the plant stem, and that the plant’s roots are fully in the soil and not the mulch. • Mulch can hinder natural regeneration in bushland areas. • To allow your plants to naturally regenerate, consider using natural leaf litter from your garden as mulch. This will allow for the natural cycle of indigenous seed dispersal, germination and plant regeneration. • Be careful not to cover indigenous vegetation with mulch, particularly groundcovers and low-growing shrubs. 11 Step 3. Planting technique
1. Dig a hole slightly 2. If you notice the soil 3. Give the plant a larger than the pot. is very dry, fill the hole good drink in its pot to Loosen the soil on the with water and allow help hold the potting sides and in the bottom it to absorb into the mix together around the to allow the plants roots ground before planting. roots. to penetrate more easily. This will help the plant establish.
6. Backfill loose soil 7. Mulch around the 8. Water thoroughly around the root ball and plant. Ensure that the to settle the soil and firm into place. After mulch is not touching remove air pockets from planting leave a saucer the stem of the plant. around the roots. shaped depression around the plant to prevent water run-off.
12 4. Upend the pot and 5. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the gently tap the plant out top of the potting mix is level with or just of the container. If it does below the ground level. When planting good not slide out easily, gently quality tubestock it is not necessary to ‘tickle’, squeeze the sides. If the or tease out plant is really stuck cut the plant’s away the tube so as to avoid roots. If you loosening the soil from the discover that roots. your plants are pot-
bound then you should reconsider planting this stock.
9. Where rabbits or other pests might eat your Staking plants, use tree guards. A plant will grow with greater strength if it is not tied to a stake. When a plant is blown around by the wind the plant hormones released by this movement make for a stronger plant. Native plants should not need staking unless they are in obvious danger of toppling over. By using tubestock you can help to avoid weak and unstable growth. If staking is required, ensure that the tie allows for some movement, by using three stakes and loose ties.
13 Step 4. Early maintenance
With just a little work each year, your indigenous garden will continue to look healthy, neat and beautiful. One of the great characteristics of indigenous plants is that they require very little maintenance.
Watering Monitor new plants during their first summer. If there has not been a good soaking rain by mid-summer, they will benefit from a drink. Deep, occasional watering will help the plant establish deeper roots. Frequent, shallow watering encourages surface root growth, making plants more vulnerable to dry periods.
Pruning In a garden setting, many indigenous plants will respond well to careful pruning, particularly after flowering and when plants become straggly. Some indigenous species will provide better flowering shows if heavily pruned. When hedging, begin pruning early in the plant’s life. 14 Mulching Topping-up mulch annually helps to increase water retention and over time, will increase the organic matter in your soils.
Weeding Controlling and removing weeds in areas of your garden or property that contain indigenous vegetation reduces competition for water, light and nutrients, helping to enhance growth. Careful hand weeding is the method of choice when removing weeds close to indigenous plantings.
Fertilising Fertilisers aren’t usually necessary, and may encourage weed growth. Too much can also cause fast, soft plant growth, leaving them more vulnerable to insect attack or harsh climatic conditions. Too much phosphorus in particular, can kill many indigenous plants. The addition of compost or other organic matter is a much better option for promoting healthy growth. 15 Identifying Native Plants 4 Designing There are several books that are useful for your garden identifying native plants: Indigenous plants can be adapted to fit almost 1. Flora of Melbourne. A any garden style – cottage, woodland, formal, or guide to indigenous contemporary garden. They can be used to create plants of the Greater Melbourne Area (4th a natural garden, can be grown in pots, arranged Ed) by Marilyn Bull formally to enhance a traditional garden, or be used as cut flowers. In fact, there is probably an indigenous 2. Native Plants of Melbourne and plant for every use in your garden. Adjoining Area by You don’t need to discard exotic plants you’ve David and Barbara nurtured or inherited in your garden; provided they Jones are not environmental weeds (see Page 72 for a list of 3. Native Trees and common environmental weeds). Many gardens have Shrubs of the South some existing indigenous vegetation that can be used Eastern Australia by as a framework for the garden. As a starting point, Leon Costermans. identify existing indigenous vegetation. Additional species can be introduced as part of the design of your garden. The following lists of plants provide examples of how some indigenous species can be used in your landscape design.
Climbers These plants look great when trained to grow along a fence.
Botanical name Common name Page Clematis aristata Austral Clematis 64 This plant is vigorous. Be warned that it can smother other plants. Clematis decipiens Small-leaved Clematis 65 Hardenbergia violacea Purple Coral Pea 65 Pandorea pandorana Wonga Vine 66 This plant is vigorous. Be warned that it can smother other plants.
16 Hedges and borders Many indigenous plants are responsive to pruning and can Designing therefore be grown to form a hedge: your garden Botanical name Common name Page Acacia paradoxa Hedge Wattle 33 Cassinia aculeata Common Cassinia 40 Leptospernum continentale Prickly Tea-tree 47 Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark 35 Olearia lirata Snowy Daisy-bush 48 Spyridium parvifolium Dusty Miller 49
Small shrubs can be pruned to shape and create a dwarf hedge:
Botanical name Common name Page Correa reflexa Common Correa 43 Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia 45 Spyridium parvifolium Dusty Miller 49
Many indigenous tussock forming species are ideal to use as border plants:
Botanical name Common name Page Dianella laevis Smooth Flax-lily 57 Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush 58 Poa labillardierei Common Tussock-grass 62 * Poa can be pruned back after flowering to encourage new green growth.
Groundcovers and Fillers These spreading plants look great in rockeries or to fill space underneath a shrub layer in the garden:
Botanical name Common name Page Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee 50 Bidgee-widgee seeds stick fast to the coats of dogs and can be difficult to remove. Chrysocephalum semipapposum Clustering Everlasting 41 Dichondra repens Kidney-weed 51 Geranium solanderi Austral Crane’s-bill 52 Kennedia prostrata Running Postman 53 17 Lawn alternatives Native lawns, once established, require much less water and fertiliser than traditional lawns. The various species tolerate light to heavy traffic, so ask your nursery which is best for your situation. Try to leave lawn clippings on the ground whenever possible to retain organic matter and nutrients onsite. Some species suitable as a native lawn are:
Botanical name Common name Page Dichondra repens Kidney Weed 51 Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass 61 Viola hederacea Native Violet 54
Feature trees Some indigenous plants make ideal specimen trees for feature planting in a lawn or garden bed. The following species perform well as individual trees in a smaller garden:
Botanical name Common name Page Acacia implexa Lightwood 25 Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood 26 Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle 27 Allocasuarina verticillata Black Sheoak 27 These species are suitable for large gardens.
Botanical name Common name Page Eucalyptus cephalocarpa Silver-leafed Stringybark 28 Eucalyptus goniocalyx Long-leafed Box 29 Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Red Stringybark 29 Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box 30 Eucalyptus obliqua Messmate 30 Eucalyptus radiata Narrow-leafed Peppermint 32
18 Screen plants Screen planting is often necessary to create privacy, conceal undesirable views or buffer wind and noise. Any of the trees and larger shrubs listed in this booklet are suitable for this purpose, especially the following:
Botanical name Common name Form Page Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood Tree 26 Acacia stricta Hop Wattle Large shrub 39 Acacia paradoxa Hedge Wattle Large shrub 33 Acacia verticillata Prickly Moses Large shrub 40 Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria Large shrub 34 Olearia lirata Snowy Daisy-bush Large shrub 48 Prostanthera lasianthos Victorian Christmas Bush Large Shrub 37
Damp & shady spots Botanical name Common name Form Page Adiantum aethiopicum Common Maidenhair Groundcover 50 Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood Tree 26 Acacia verticillata Prickly moses Large shrub 40 Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee Groundcover 50 Coprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant-bush Shrub 42 Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass Groundcover 61 Prostanthera lasianthos Victorian Christmas bush Shrub 37 Spyridium parvifolium Dusty Miller Shrub 49 Viola hederacea Native Violet Groundcover 54
19 Edible plants Before consuming any plant material find out detailed information about the species. Check thoroughly which part of the plant can be eaten and how to prepare it for consumption. Tasman Flax-lily
Botanical name Common name Form Page Arthropodium milleforum Pale Vanilla-lily Low plant 55 Under ground rhizomes edible Arthropodium strictum Chocolate Lily Low plant 55 Under ground rhizomes are edible Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lily Low plant 56 Under ground corm edible Coprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant-bush Small shrub 42 Berries are edible raw or cooked Dianella admixta Spreading Flax-lily Low plant 56 Dark Blue or Purple berries edible Dianella laevis Pale Flax-lily Low plant 57 Dark Blue or Purple berries edible Dianella tasmanica Tasman Flax-lily Low plant 57 Dark Blue or Purple berries edible Mentha australis River Mint Low plant 70 Edible leaves Rubus parvifolius Native Raspberry Low plant 66 Edible fruit
Books about bush food with information about edible portions, uses, food preparation and recipes include: Wild Food Plants of Australia. An Australian nature field guide by Tim Low. Bushfood by Jennifer Issacs.
20 River Mint Colourful flowers To achieve a mass of colour in your garden try a few of the following indigenous plants: Botanical name Common name Form Page Yellow flowers Arthropodium milleforum Pale Vanilla-lily Low plant 55 Botanical name Common name Form Page Under ground rhizomes edible Acacia spp. Wattles Trees and shrubs 25 - 40 Arthropodium strictum Chocolate Lily Low plant 55 Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lily Low plant 56 Under ground rhizomes are edible Chrysocephalum Clustered Everlasting Filler 41 Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lily Low plant 56 semipapposum Under ground corm edible Geranium solanderi Austral Crane’s-bill Ground cover 52 Coprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant-bush Small shrub 42 Goodia lotifolia Golden-tip Small shrub 45 Berries are edible raw or cooked Lomandra longifolia Spiny headed Mat-rush Tussock 58 Dianella admixta Spreading Flax-lily Low plant 56 Viminaria juncea Golden spray Large shrub 37 Dark Blue or Purple berries edible Dianella laevis Pale Flax-lily Low plant 57 Red or Pink Flowers Dark Blue or Purple berries edible Botanical name Common name Form Page Dianella tasmanica Tasman Flax-lily Low plant 57 Arthropodium milleflorum Pale Vanilla-lily Low plant 55 Dark Blue or Purple berries edible Kennedia prostrata Running postman Scrambling 53 Mentha australis River Mint Low plant 70 Stylidium graminifolium Grass-leaved Triggerplant Low plant 59 Edible leaves Rubus parvifolius Native Raspberry Low plant 66 Edible fruit Purple flowers Botanical name Common name Form Page Arthropodium strictum Chocolate Lily Low plant 55 Hardenbergia violacea Purple Coral Pea Creeper 65 Indigofera australis Austral Indigo Medium shrub 46
21 Blue flowers Botanical name Common name Form Page Dianella admixta Spreading Flax-lily Low plant 56 Dianella laevis Pale Flax-lily Low plant 57 Dianella tasmanica Tasman Flax-lily Low plant 57 Wahlenbergia gracilis Bluebell Low plant 54
White flowers Botanical name Common name Form Page Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria Large shrub 34 Cassinia aculeata Dogwood Medium shrub 40 Clematis spp Clematis Climber 64, 65 Kunzea leptospermoides Yarra Burgan Large shrub 35 Leptospermum continentale Prickly Tea-tree Large shrub 47 Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark Large shrub 35 Olearia lirata Snowy Daisy-bush Large shrub 48 Ozothamnus ferrugineus Tree Everlasting Large shrub 36 Pandorea pandorana Wonga Vine Scrambler/climber 66 Prostanthera lasianthos Victorian Christmas Bush Large shrub 37 Spyridium parvifolium Dusty Miller Small shrub 49
22 5 94 Species Indigenous to Whitehorse
23 Trees Page 25 Large Shrubs Page 33 Small and Medium Shrubs Page 38 Groundcovers and Fillers Page 50 Lilies and Irises Page 55 Grasses and Sedges Page 60 Scramblers and Climbers Page 64 Wetland Plants Page 67
KEY
FORM & SIZE FLOWERING SEASON
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D 6 m – 30
5m – 10m PROVIDES HABITAT FOR:
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS BIRDS CATERPILLARS REPTILES BUTTERFLIES
FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN PROVIDES NECTAR OR POLLEN FOR BEEKEEPING
FULL SHADE
BEES BEES BEES DROUGHT TOLERANT (nectar) (pollen) (nectar & pollen)
24 TREES
Acacia dealbata Acacia implexa Silver Wattle Lightwood
Hardy, fast growing and open tree for A long-lived wattle, useful as a screen parks and larger gardens, useful for or shade tree and looks great planted windbreak or erosion control. in groups, adding great texture and detail to the garden. Foliage and Flowers: Bluish ferny foliage, lemon ball flowers. Foliage and Flowers: Light green, ‘sickle-shaped’ foliage with Growing conditions: attractive sprays of cream ball flowers Adaptable, prefers deep moist soil. up to 4cm. The latest flowering wattle. Growing conditions: Thrives in dry sunny spots with shallow soil. Will also tolerate moist, well-drained positions.
PROVIDES NECTAR OR POLLEN FOR BEEKEEPING Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 6 m – 30 5 m – 15
5m – 10m FULL SHADE 4m – 7m FULL SHADE
25 TREES
Acacia mearnsii Acacia melanoxylon Black Wattle Blackwood
Very fast-growing, often short-lived Long-lived, fast growing good open spreading shade tree that attracts screening and shade tree. Narrow sugar gliders, birds and butterflies. and upright in shady situations, and Often subject to borer attack. a broad shade tree in the open when sufficient soil moisture is available. Foliage and Flowers: Ferny foliage, scented pale yellow ball Foliage and Flowers: flowers. Round, cream coloured flowers. Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Prefers well drained soils. Prefers deep moist soils, tolerates dryness once established.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 5 m – 20 8 m – 25
6m – 10m FULL SHADE 4m – 15m FULL SHADE
26 TREES
Acacia pycnantha Allocasuarina littoralis Golden Wattle Black Sheoak
A fast-growing erect or spreading small An excellent fast-growing screening, tree. Good screening and windbreak windbreak or specimen tree that is an tree and useful for erosion control. ideal alternative to planting Pine trees. Erect small tree. Foliage and Flowers: Bright green, broad curved leaves with Foliage and Flowers: perfumed golden flowers. Reddish (female), dark brown (male) spikes. Green fine branchlets, small Growing conditions: woody cones. Well drained soils, tolerates a variety of sites. Drought tolerant. Growing conditions: Well drained soils, tolerates a variety of Pruning: sites. Drought tolerant. Prune while young to encourage denser habit.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 4 m – 8 3 m – 10
2m – 5m FULL SHADE 2m – 5m FULL SHADE
27 TREES
Banksia marginata Eucalyptus cephalocarpa Silver Banksia Silver Leafed Stringybark
Small tree with finely-toothed long Medium sized tree with dense canopy, foliage with a dark green upper surface rough fibrous bark. Useful as a shade and a silvery reverse. or shelter tree. Foliage and Flowers: Foliage and Flowers: Pale to bright yellow showy flowers White to cream flowers. densely packed in a candlespike Growing conditions: flowerhead. The seeds are retained in Adaptable, tolerates periods of the cone. inundation and dryness. Can resist Growing conditions: moderate to light frosts. Prefers well drained soils. Tolerates a range of conditions, including moist sites .
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 1 m – 6 8 m – 20
1m – 4m FULL SHADE 5m – 15m FULL SHADE
28 TREES
Eucalyptus goniocalyx Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Long-leafed Box Red Stringybark
This fast-growing medium tree has a An attractive, upright specimen and crooked trunk and rough fibrous bark. shade tree for lawns and garden areas Useful as a shade tree, it is a food that is valued as a source of honey. source for koalas. Medium to tall upright tree, with a rounded canopy and red-brown to grey Foliage and Flowers: deeply fissured bark. White to cream flowers Foliage and Flowers: Growing conditions: White to cream flowers. Tolerates dry and poor soils. Growing conditions: Well drained soils, prefers loam soil. Tree roots are sensitive to compaction of soil.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 8 m – 20 10 m – 35
6m – 15m FULL SHADE 10m – 20m FULL SHADE
29 TREES
Eucalyptus melliodora Eucalyptus obliqua Yellow Box Messmate
A handsome shade and feature tree Tall upright tree, dense canopy, for large gardens. Tall, variable open thick fibrous fissured bark to smaller to dense tree, rough brownish bark, branches. Good shelter and shade tree upper branches smooth and cream. for large areas. Food source for koalas. Foliage and Flowers: Foliage and Flowers: White to cream flowers. The fragrant white to cream flowers Growing conditions: provide an excellent source of honey. Adaptable, well drained soils, prefers Growing conditions: moist sites but tolerates dryness. Well drained loams and alluvial soils.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 10 m – 30 10 m – 30 8m – 20m FULL SHADE 6m – 20m FULL SHADE
30 TREES
Eucalyptus ovata Eucalyptus polyanthemos Swamp Gum Red Box
Fast-growing medium to tall upright A slow-growing small to medium tree tree, moderately dense crown, rough with a compact to spreading crown. bark lower trunk. Useful windbreak Rough, fibrous reddish-brown bark in and shade tree, ideal for swampy areas small flakes, often persistent to small and along creek banks. branches. Foliage and Flowers: Foliage and Flowers: White to cream flowers. Clusters of club-shaped buds, followed by profuse white to cream flowers. Growing conditions: Barrel-shaped fruit. Prefers moist and poorly drained soils, tolerating periods of inundataion and Growing conditions: dryness. Well drained soils, tolerating difficult sites such as dry, stony and shallow soils. Full or partial sun
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 8 m – 25 7 m – 25
8m – 20m FULL SHADE 5m – 15m FULL SHADE
31 TREES
Eucalyptus radiata Eucalyptus viminalis Narrow-leaved Manna Gum
Peppermint Good ornamental tree and shade tree, suited for large gardens or parklands. An attractive shade or shelter tree This fast-growing tall upright tree is a that is ideally suited to suburban food source for koalas. gardens and is common around Melbourne. Medium to tall low- Foliage and Flowers: branching tree, dense and compact White flowers. crown, grey-brown fibrous bark. Growing conditions: Foliage and Flowers: Adaptable, prefers moist, well drained White to cream flowers. soils. Growing conditions: Well drained soils, tolerating a range of conditions
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 10 m – 30 10 m – 50
6m – 15m FULL SHADE 8m – 15m FULL SHADE
32 LARGE SHRUBS
Acacia paradoxa Acacia strictophylla Hedge Wattle Cinnamon Wattle
Fast-growing dense and spreading Fast-growing erect slender or shrub whose dense prickly habit spreading shrub with weeping foliage, provides an ideal refuge for small birds. sometimes reaching tree proportions. Ornamental, suited as a hedge/screen. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: Scented lemon to yellow balls yellow. Small, dark green wavy leaves and Growing conditions: golden yellow ball flowers. Moist, well drained soils. Growing conditions: Dry to moist, well-drained soils. Adaptable to any site.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 2 m – 4 2 m – 4
2m – 5m FULL SHADE 2m – 4m FULL SHADE
33 LARGE SHRUBS
Bursaria spinosa Hakea decurrens Sweet Bursaria Bushy Needlewood
Hardy, easily grown slender to Fast growing shrub with interesting rounded shrub or small tree which is flowers and woody fruit. It provides good for hedging. Stunning in flower, a good low screen. It’s prickly leaves this shrub offers long-lived shelter for provide protective habitat for small small birds and food for the Eltham garden birds. Copper Butterfly. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: White flowers occassionally pink.. Prolific, sweetly scented creamy-white Growing conditions: flowers followed by attractive coppery Adaptable, tolerating most soils and seed capsules. Shiny, small, dark green aspects. leaves. Pruning: Growing conditions: Responds well to hard pruning. Well drained soils. Drought tolerant.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 2 m – 6 2 m – 5
2m – 3m FULL SHADE 1m – 3m FULL SHADE
34 LARGE SHRUBS
Kunzea leptospermoides Melaleuca ericifolia Yarra Burgan Swamp Paperbark
Attractive and fast-growing dense to This erect, open to dense bushy shrub open shrub, particulary the weeping or small tree with papery bark is useful form. Excellent screening plant. as a dense thicket or screen. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: White flowers and small aromatic Cream brush-like flowers. leaves. Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Prefers moist to wet soils. Frost Adaptable, tolerating wet and dry tolerant. periods. Pruning: Pruning: Prune after flowering to keep plants Prune for bushiness. from straggling.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 2 m – 5 5 m – 9
2m – 4m FULL SHADE 2m – 6m FULL SHADE
35 LARGE SHRUBS
Ozothamnus ferrugineus Pomaderris racemosa Tree Everlasting Cluster Pomaderris
An open rounded aromatic shrub This is a slender shrub or rarely a small which grows best as understorey lightly branched tree which is ideal for planting. A great screening plant. areas where space is limited due to its erect habit. Useful as a taller screening Flowers and foliage: plant for beneath trees. Small white flowerheads in large clusters. Flowers and foliage: Cream-yellow flowers. Growing conditions: Adaptable, prefers moist, well drained Growing conditions: soils. Moist soils, will tolerate dryness.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 2 m – 4 2 m – 5
2m – 4m FULL SHADE 1m – 2m FULL SHADE
36 LARGE SHRUBS
Prostanthera lasianthos Viminaria juncea Victorian Christmas Bush Native Broom
The largest native mint bush, this is A hardy, fast-growing shrub which a useful screen plant. A compact tall is useful beside pools and is most shrub or upright small tree which is attractive when in flower, drawing spectacular in flower. attention to its weeping habit. Can be short lived. Flowers and foliage: Minty aromatic leaves and white Flowers and foliage: flowers spotted with orange and Erect, arching, needle-like leaves, and purple. prays of yellow-orange pea flowers. Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Well drained, prefers moist loamy soils. Adaptable to poorly drained soils, salt Needs protection from strong winds. and lime.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 2 m – 8 1.5 m – 5
2m – 4m FULL SHADE 1m – 2m FULL SHADE
37 SMALL AND MEDIUM SHRUBS
Acacia acinacea Acacia genistifolia Gold Dust Wattle Spreading Wattle
A hardy wattle excellent for the This hardy fast-growing open rockeries or shrub borders. Looks spreading shrub with prickly foliage, great planted en masse. A good low provides good refuge for birds. It will screening plant. often self-seed. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: Produces masses of showy, golden Lemon to cream balls. yellow flower balls. Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Tolerates wet or dry soil. Adaptable, well drained soils. Grows well in shallow soils. Pruning: Pruning is beneficial.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 1 m – 3 0.5 m – 2.5 2m – 4m FULL SHADE 1m – 3m FULL SHADE
38 SMALL AND MEDIUM SHRUBS
Acacia myrtifolia Acacia stricta Myrtle Wattle Hop Wattle
An easily grown ornamental shrub Fast-growing open upright shrub which is best grown in clusters, it only which can form a low windbreak or lives for approximately 4 - 5 years. light screen, suited for planting under Useful as a quick grower while other existing trees. slower plants grow. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: Pale yellow balls. Cream to yellow balls Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Reasonably well drained positions in Adaptable, most soils with good most soils. Drought hardy. drainage. Pruning: Heavy pruning can be beneficial.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 2 m – 4 1 m – 3
1m – 2m FULL SHADE 2m – 4m FULL SHADE
39 SMALL AND MEDIUM SHRUBS
Acacia verticillata Cassinia aculeata Prickly Moses Common Cassinia
With foliage that provides wonderful A fast-growing erect open shrub which textural interest in the garden, this is hardy and may be grown beneath open prickly shrub is also a safe trees. nesting refuge for small birds such as Flowers and foliage: wrens. Densehead of small white to cream Flowers and foliage: flowers. Light yellow bottlebrush shaped spikes Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Adaptable, well drained soils. Deep soil with reliable moisture. Will Pruning: tolerate a variety of conditions. Prune to maintain bushy shape. Pruning: Prune to encourage a bushy habit.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 2 m – 6 2 m –4
1m – 2m 3m – 5m FULL SHADE FULL SHADE
40 SMALL AND MEDIUM SHRUBS commons Donald Hobern via Wikimedia
Cassinia longifolia Chrysocephalum semipapposum Long-leaf Cassinia Clustered Everlasting
This fast-growing aromatic shrub is a Variable, dense aromatic perennial hardy plant useful as a quick screen or herb.Attractive, can be planted windbreak. beneath trees, heavy pruning encourages new growth, Flowers and foliage: Small white/cream flowers. Flowers and foliage: Aromatic, greyish sticky leaves, bright Growing conditions: yellow papery flowers. Adaptable to most conditions, prefers moist well drained soils. Growing conditions: Tolerates a range of conditions, variable Pruning: soils, moist to dry, frost tolerant. Prune for bushy habit. Pruning: Requires hard pruning of old growth.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULLFULLPARTIALPARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUNSUN SUNSUN SUN SUN 2 m –4 0.3 m – 1
2m – 3m 1m – 3m FULLFULL SHADE SHADE FULL SHADE
41 SMALL AND MEDIUM SHRUBS
Coronidium scorpioides Coprosma quadrifida Curling Everlasting Prickly Currant Bush
An attractive matting plant ideal for This prickly open upright dense shrub cottage gardens, rockeris and borders. is great for damp shady areas and Foliage dies back after flowering each provides bright red berries for birds year. and bush tucker foragers. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: Yellow button flowerheads Inconspicuous light greenish flowers. Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Well drained soils, prefers dry sites. Well drained soils, prefers moist sites. Pruning: Pruning encourages bushier growth.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULLFULLPARTIALPARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN SUN SUN 2 m – 4 0 m – 0.3
0.2m – 0.3m FULL SHADE 1m – 2m FULLFULL SHADE SHADE
42 SMALL AND MEDIUM SHRUBS
Correa glabra Correa reflexa Rock Correa Common Correa
An attractive, hardy shrub, ideal low Attractive, hardy shrub, ideal for screening plant, may be established shaded areas or beneath existing trees. beneath trees. Very drought and frost Very drought and frost hardy, it has hardy, it has dense foliage and requires dense foliage and requires practically practically no maintenance. Consider no maintenance. Consider using it using it in pots for colour through the in pots for colour through the cooler cooler months. months. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: Pale green bells. Pendulous green tubular flower. Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Well drained soils. Well drained soils.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 1 m – 3 0.3 m – 2
1m – 3m FULL SHADE 1m – 2m FULL SHADE
43 SMALL AND MEDIUM SHRUBS
Enchylaena tomentosa Epacris impressa Ruby Saltbush Common Heath
Attractive hardy plant useful for Victoria’s floral emblem and a very undershrub plantings. Fruit colour pretty, small shrub. variation provides an interesting feature. Flowers & foliage: A low spreading or upright woody shrub. Narrow, sharply pointed leaves. An Flowers and foliage: abundance of dainty, bell- shaped Insignificant greenish flowers and red white or pink blooms crowded along berries. branches from autumn to early spring. Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Adaptable to poor soils, tolerant to Ideally suited for cool, moist areas dryness and salinity. in well drained, acidic soils. Will tolerate harsh, dry conditions once Pruning: established. Pruning is beneficial.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
< 1 m FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 1m – 1.5m
0.5m – 1m FULL SHADE FULL SHADE
44 SMALL AND MEDIUM SHRUBS
Goodia lotifolia Goodenia ovata Golden Tip Hop Goodenia
Add a bright note to the garden with A hardy shrub which may be planted this pretty, fast growing shrub. Useful beneath trees. Easily propagated, it as a quick screen, prune for bushy is a versatile plant that is great for habit or to a tall, loose hedge. brightening shady garden settings. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: Showy and fragrant yellow pea flowers Small, vibrant yellow blooms. with red markings. Attractive blue- Growing conditions: green clover-like leaves. Will tolerate harsh, dry conditions Growing conditions: once established but will also tolerate Well drained soils, avoid alkaline soil. waterlogging. Pruning: Pruning: Prune for bushiness. Prune to avoid straggling habit.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 1 m – 5 1 m – 2.5 1m – 5m FULL SHADE 1m – 3m FULL SHADE
45 SMALL AND MEDIUM SHRUBS
Gynatrix pulchella Indigofera australis Hemp Bush Austral Indigo
A fast-growing upright open shrub A member of the Pea family, this hardy, which is very showy in flower. attractive plant ideal for planting beneath trees or shady sites. Flowers and foliage: Fragrant greenish-white flowers. Flowers and foliage: Mauve pea flowers, occasionally pink Growing conditions: or white and blue-green, feathery Moist, well drained soils. (compound) leaves. Pruning: Growing conditions: Prune for bushy habit. Adaptable, well drained soils. Water regularly during dry periods. Pruning: Tip prune to promote bushy growth.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 1 m – 2 2 m – 4
1.5m – 3m FULL SHADE 1m – 2m FULL SHADE
46 SMALL AND MEDIUM SHRUBS
Leptospermum continentale Melicytus dentatus Prickly Tea-tree Tree Violet
Attractive and hardy plant suitable for Medium to tall, rigid and often spiny, poorly drained sites. Useful as a screen, this hardy spreading shrub is useful for it benefits from pruning. A good lightly shaded sites and moist areas. habitat plant, it is frost tolerant. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: Tiny cream bell flowers and green to White petalled flowers and stiff prickly purple berries. leaves. Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Well drained soils, preferring moist Adaptable, tolerating most soils and sites. aspects.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 1 m – 2 2 m – 4
1m – 2m FULL SHADE 1m – 2.5m FULL SHADE
47 SMALL AND MEDIUM SHRUBS
Olearia lirata Pelargonium australe Snowy Daisy bush Austral Stork’s Bill
An attractive, soft, open shrub to A small, soft and hairy perennial brighten up shady or sheltered sites. herb forming a clump, this attractive A spectacular screening or specimen rockery or container plant is a useful shrub with attractive daisy flowers. soil binder. May die back during hot periods. Flowers and foliage: Profuse, superb clusters of white, Flowers and foliage: daisy-like flowers in spring, with soft Pink or white flowers with crimson to grey-green foliage with downy white purple streaks. undersides. Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Adaptable, well drained soils, tolerates A shade lover that thrives in sheltered dryness. spots with moist, well-drained soil. Can look shabby in drier conditions.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN
FULL PARTIAL FULL SHADE FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 2 m – 5 0.3 m– 0.6m 2m – 3m FULL SHADE 0.3m – 1m FULL SHADE
48 SMALL AND MEDIUM SHRUBS
Solanum aviculare Spyridium parvifolium Kangaroo Apple Australian Dusty Miller
A decorative hardy fast-growing An attractive screening or specimen shrub, Kangaroo Apple is useful plant for sheltered positions with white as a screening plant. Short-lived in flowers and whitish new growth that cultivation. brighten a garden in winter. Small to medium dense upright shrub. Flowers and foliage: Violet flowers with yellow anthers Flowers and foliage: Clusters of dainty, creamy flowers, Growing conditions: accentuated by white dusty bracts. Well drained soils, tolerant of most conditions. Growing conditions: Well drained soils, tolerating dryness Pruning: once established. Prune for dense habit.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULLFULLPARTIALPARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN SUN SUN 1 m –2 1 m – 4
1m – 4m FULL SHADE 1m – 2m FULLFULL SHADE SHADE
49 GROUNDCOVERS AND FILLERS
Acaena novae-zelandiae Adiantum aethiopicum Bidgee Widgee Common Maidenhair
A sprawling, adaptable mat-like plant Ground covering fern suckering by which is useful as a soil-binding and vigorous underground stems. Reliable, ground cover plant for erosion control. becoming dormant in dry spells Thorns can stick to clothing. but reshooting when soil moisture increases Flowers and foliage: Greenish-white flowers and spiny seed Flowers and foliage: heads. Light green, delicate fronds. Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Adaptable, tolerating wet and dry. Moist, well drained soils.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 0.1 m – 0.45
1m – 2m FULL SHADE FULL SHADE
50 GROUNDCOVERS AND FILLERS
Brachyscome multifida Dichondra repens Cut Leaf Daisy Kidney Weed
Fast-growing, low spreading perennial Hardy attractive groundcover that herb. Spreads by underground roots, forms a dense mat in moist shady useful soil binder. Flowers profusely areas and can be grown to suppress most of the year. weeds or as a great lawn alternative where foot traffic is light. Very easily Flowers and foliage: divided and transplanted. Blue, mauve, pink or white daisy flowerheads Flowers and foliage: Bright green kidney shaped leaves and Growing conditions: tiny inconspicuous yellowish-green Adaptable, from heavy clay to light flowers. sandy loams. Growing conditions: Adaptable, prefers well drained soils, keep moist in dry weather.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULLFULLPARTIALPARTIAL SUN SUN SUNSUN SUNSUN < 0.5 m
0.2m – 1m FULL SHADE <2m FULLFULL SHADE SHADE
51 GROUNDCOVERS AND FILLERS
Einadia nutans Geranium solanderi Nodding Saltbush Austral Crane’s-bill
Hardy vigorous sprawling shrub, this Bright container or rockery plant is a useful groundcover for dry banks, providing a dense groundcover. A may be planted beneath trees. Drought hardy, creeping perennial herb. resistant, bird attracting. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: Pink flowers. Insignificant clusters of greenish Growing conditions: flowers. Well drained soils, preferring Growing conditions: moisture. Well drained drier soils.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN < 0.5m < 0.3 m
< 1.2m FULL SHADE 0.6m – 1m FULL SHADE
52 GROUNDCOVERS AND FILLERS
Kennedia prostrata Microseris lanceolata Running Postman Yam Daisy
Spectacular in hanging baskets where Small tufted perennial herb with bright the flowers can cascade down the yellow daisy flowers on long stems. sides and also softening garden edges Differs from introduced dandelion by and steps. Open trailing or densely its narrow leaves and drooping flower matting perennial groundcover. buds. Regenerates annually from tuberous rootstock. Flowers and foliage: Reddish pea flowers with yellow Flowers and foliage: centres. Bright yellow daisy flowerhead Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Well drained soils, tolerates dryness Well drained soils. once established. May die back in extended dry conditions and re-sprout when conditions improve.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN < 0.5 m SUN SUN 2 m
FULL SHADE 0.15m – 0.25m FULL SHADE
53 GROUNDCOVERS AND FILLERS
Viola hederacea Wahlenbergia spp Native Violet Bluebells
Attractive hardy and fast-growing Ideal for mass display or drifts, this groundcover, useful for soil binding erect clumping much-branched on banks or near ponds, and also an perennial herb is a great rockery or attractive plant for hanging baskets, border plant and also good for hanging rockeries and courtyards. baskets and pots. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: Masses of white violets with purple Light blue or occasionally white open- centres mainly in spring. Attractive, bell shaped flowers. green, kidney-shaped foliage. Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Moist, well drained soils. Tolerates Well drained soils, prefers moist sites. some dryness, will die back to rootstock during long periods of dryness.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN < 0.15 m 0.4 m – 0.9 < 1m FULL SHADE 0.3m – 10.4m FULL SHADE
54 LILIES AND IRISES
Arthropodium milleflorum Arthropodium strictum Pale Vanilla Lily Chocolate Lily
An attractive plant, effective in mass An outstanding wildflower, at its plantings, dormant in summer. Grass- best planted in drifts, it is dormant in like tufted perennial herb. summer. Try growing in decorative pots or containers; also may be grown Flowers and foliage: beneath trees Pale pink, mauve or white vanilla scented flowers. Flowers and foliage: Delightful violet-purple, chocolate- Growing conditions: vanilla scented flowers and soft flat Moist clay soils. narrow leaves.
Growing conditions: Well drained soils, adaptable to surroundings.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 0.3 m – 1.3 0.2 m – 0.8 < 0.3m FULL SHADE 0.2m – 0.8m FULL SHADE
55 LILIES AND IRISES
Bulbine bulbosa Dianella admixta Bulbine Lily Black-anther Flax-lily
An attractive, long-flowering A dense tufted perennial with vigorous wildflower for rockeries and cottage branched underground stems. Hardy gardens that spreads by seed to form and tolerant, may grow beneath trees, showy clumps. It is lovely planted in effective in mass plantings. For difficult drifts, pots or containers. Dies down to dry spots, the Black Anther Flax-lily rootstock in dry periods, may resprout is superb and forms slow spreading throughout the year. tussocks. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: Yellow star-like fragrant flowers and Blue to violet flowers. tufted, succulent leaves. Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Well drained soils, adaptable. Drought Moist, well drained soils. and frost resistant.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 0.2 m – 0.6 0.3 m – 1.5 < 0.3m FULL SHADE 0.5m – 1.5m FULL SHADE
56 LILIES AND IRISES
Dianella laevis Dianella tasmanica Pale Flax-lily Tasman Flax-lily
This compact, upright tuft is an This hardy vigorous tuft can be grown attractive clumping plant. Useful as an very successfully around the base of accent plant, hardy, and can be grown trees. Has long, vigorous runners and very successfully around the base of its coarse, strappy leaves can form trees. dense patches to several metres across and 1½m deep. Flowers and foliage: Pale blue star-shaped flowers. Flowers and foliage: Blue to violet flowers. Growing conditions: Moist, well drained soils. Growing conditions: Prefers moist soils. Leaves burn in full sun.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULLFULLPARTIALPARTIAL SUN SUN SUNSUN SUNSUN 0.3 m – 1.5 0.6 m – 1.5 < 0.5m FULL SHADE 0.5m – 2m FULLFULL SHADE SHADE
57 LILIES AND IRISES
Lomandra filiformis Lomandra longifolia Wattle Mat-rush Spiny-headed Mat-rush
Attractive hardy plant useful for Large dense tussock plant which is rockeries, mass plantings and borders, an important butterfly food plant and suitable for containers. Lightly tufted a lovely tussock for difficult spots, herb spreading by underground stems. rockeries and embankments. Ideal landscaping plant for clusters/large Flowers and foliage: drifts, grows well beneath trees. Yellow flowerheads and narrow, stiff leaves. Flowers and foliage: Yellowish flowers in clusters with spiky Growing conditions: bracts. Well drained soils, preferring moist sites, tolerating dryness once Growing conditions: established. Drought and frost tolerant. Well drained soils, adaptable to a range of sites. Hardy and drought tolerant.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 0.5 m – 1 0.15 m – 0.5 0.15m – 0.2m FULL SHADE 0.5m – 1.2m FULL SHADE
58 LILIES AND IRISES
Patersonia occidentalis Stylidium graminifolium Long Purple Flag Grass-leaved Triggerplant
An attractive plant for cottage gardens, Great when planted in drifts, this rockeries, water features and mass variable, tufted perennial herb is useful plantings, this compact perennial herb for rockeries, containers and cottage has dense tufts. gardens. Known as “trigger plants” because of the unique, irritable flower Flowers and foliage: column which springs upwards and Blue to purple, occasionally white, deposits pollen on the head or back of flowers and long strappy leaves. insect visitors. Growing conditions: Flowers and foliage: Adaptable, tolerates a range of Pale to bright pink or lilac flowers. conditions, from dry to boggy. Growing conditions: Moist, well drained soils.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 0.2 m – 0.75 0.2 m – -.85 FULL SHADE FULL SHADE 0.3m – 0.6m 0.1m – 0.5m 59 GRASSES & SEDGES
Austrostipa rudis Carex appressa Veined Spear Grasses Tall Sedge
A spectacular sight when planted en An ideal aquatic/bog garden plant, masse with a breeze rustling the tall useful for stabilising eroded banks flowering stems, this spreading tufted or filtering streams, this robust perennial grass is useful as an accent densely tufted sedge spreads from grass. underground stems. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: Green with purple tinged flowerheads Robust tuft, arching leaves and which bear many long, weeping, brownish flowerheads. russet coloured, spear-like seeds. Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Adaptable to a range of conditions. Prefers moist soils and an open Tolerates periods of dryness but position. prefers ample moisture.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 0.4 m – 1.2 0.5 m – 1.2 0.5m – 0.8m FULL SHADE 0.5m – 1m FULL SHADE
60 GRASSES & SEDGES
Microlaena stipoides Poa ensiformis Weeping Grass Sword Tussock Grass
A splendid year-round native lawn Ornamental, vigorous grass ideal for in moist, shady positions that can be moist shady areas, mass plantings, mown regularly or left to produce erosion control, embankments. Large, delightful weeping flower heads. Seeds dense tussock forming grass with may catch on clothing. spreading underground stems. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: Green to purple tinged flowerheads on Green, purple to straw-colour arching stems, and soft, emerald green flowerheads. leaves. Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Adaptable, preferring moist shaded Well drained soils, preferring moist sites, but tolerates periods of dryness. shadier sites. Will tolerate drier conditions and full sun.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULLFULLPARTIALPARTIAL SUN SUN SUNSUN SUNSUN 0.3 m – 1 0.3 m – 1.5 < 0.6m FULL SHADE <1m FULLFULL SHADE SHADE
61 GRASSES & SEDGES
Poa labillardierei Poa morrisii Common Tussock Grass Velvet Tussock Grass
A vigorous ornamental tussock- A small soft bluish tussock grass, this forming grass for garden beds and attractive ornamental grass is useful rockeries that is a dramatic sight for borders, rockeries, cottage gardens. planted in massed grasses of varying May be grown beneath established height and texture. An adaptable grass trees. that thrives with reliable moisture. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: Green, purple to straw-colour Green, purple to straw-colour flowerheads. flowerheads Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Moist, well drained soils. Adaptable, prefers moist to slightly dry soils, frost tolerant.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 0.3 m – 0.9 0.3m – 1.2m 0.6m – 1.5m FULL SHADE 0.3m – 0.5m FULL SHADE
62 GRASSES & SEDGES
Rytidosperma spp Themeda triandra Wallaby Grasses Kangaroo Grass
Erect tufted perennials with fine leaves A great feature tussock, this attractive which are useful for planting under grass with unique colour and flowers trees or mixed with other grasses. arranged among leafy bract provides They provide a delightful addition to interesting colour and texture to the the garden that will stay green over garden. summer without high water demands Flowers and foliage: and many species will tolerate regular Coppery or rust-coloured flower heads mowing and trampling. and soft blade foliage varying in colour Flowers and foliage: from blue-green to reddish brown. Pale green to purple flowerheads Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Performs best in well-drained soils Adaptable, range from sandy to heavy with reliable moisture. Adaptable to a soils. range of growing conditions.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 0.3 m – 0.6 0.4 m – 0.9 FULL SHADE FULL SHADE < 0.4m 0.5m – 0.7m 63 SCRAMBLERS AND CLIMBERS
Billardiera scandens Clematis aristata Common Apple-Berry Mountain Clematis
A non-evasive light climber or A vigorous woody climber which may sprawling plant, this may also be be easily trained to cover artificial established beneath existing trees. supports, and may be grown beneath trees. Suckering to form new plants. Flowers and foliage: Greenish-yellow pendulous bell-shaped Flowers and foliage: flowers. Creamy white starry flowers. Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Well drained soils, adaptable to most Well drained soils. sites.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 15 m 1 m – 2
FULL SHADE FULL SHADE
64 SCRAMBLERS AND CLIMBERS
Clematis decipiens Hardenbergia violacea Small-leafed Clematis Purple Coral Pea
A useful screening plant or for The brilliant flowers of the Purple covering fences, this medium sized Coral-pea provide a beautiful display climber will smother other plants in of colour climbing up a shrub or garden. scrambling over a retaining wall. This dense, fast growing showy scrambler Flowers and foliage: is generally hardy. Cream starry flowers. Flowers and foliage: Growing conditions: Violet to purple pea flowers, Well drained soils. Frost tolerant. sometimes pink or white. Rich, deep green, leathery leaves. Growing conditions: Adaptable, well drained soils.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 5 m
FULL SHADE FULL SHADE
65 SCRAMBLERS AND CLIMBERS
Pandorea pandorana Rubus parvifolius Wonga Vine Native Raspberry
A showy climber for covering fences, A hardy trailer which can be trained trellises and pergolas. This rampant as a climber, this small rambling shrub climber will require a solid structure is covered in hooked thorns. Pruning or large tree to climb up. A vigorous encourages increased flowering. and bushy climber; be warned it can Flowers and foliage: smother other plants. Deep pink flowers turning to edible Flowers and foliage: fruits. Glossy green foliage. White trumpet Growing conditions: flowers with burgundy throats. Well drained soils. Flowers in spring and summer. Growing conditions: Partly shaded areas with well-drained soils and regular water.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULLFULLPARTIALPARTIAL SUN SUN SUNSUN SUNSUN >6 m 0.5 m – 3
FULL SHADE FULLFULL SHADE SHADE
66 WETLAND PLANTS
Alisma plantago-aquatica Eleocharis acuta Water Plantain Common Spike Rush
Useful for ponds and bog gardens, this Aquatic perennial herb with tufts at erect tufted perennial semi-aquatic intervals along slender underground herb tolerates poorly drained sites. stems. It provides interest around dams and ponds, may spread rapidly Flowers and foliage: in shallow water, provides habitat for Pale pink petalled flowers and tufted, birds, fish and frogs. erect fan shaped leaves. Flowers and foliage: Growing conditions: Dark brown flowerheads Wet soils. It may become dormant in very dry periods. Growing conditions: Heavy damp soils to shallow water edges.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 0.5 m – 1.5 0.3 m – 0.6 < 0.5m FULL SHADE < 2m FULL SHADE
67 WETLAND PLANTS
Carex fascicularis Juncus spp Tassel Sedge Rushes
Common sedge found along Although marsh plants, these sturdy watercourses and near swamps, useful rushes will withstand periods of for erosion control. Coarse tufted drought and are excellent for wetland bright green plant, spreading from waste water systems. underground stems. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: Straw coloured flowers. Whitish to pale brown flowerheads Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Moist soils or shallow water. Moist to wet soils, tolerating inundation.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL
SUN SUN < 1.2m SUN SUN 0.5 m – 1
0.5m – 0.75m FULL SHADE < 1m FULL SHADE
68 WETLAND PLANTS
Lythrum salicaria Marsilea drummondii Purple Loosestrife Common Nardoo
Slender, erect perennial herb with An aquatic perennial fern with tuberous roots. Very showy plant for attractive foliage, while it displays borders, bog gardens and around vigorous growth, it does not compete water edges. with other water plants such as water lilies or milfoil, making it an ideal water Flowers and foliage: plant for a garden pond. Attracts frogs Crowded spikes of purple to magenta to the garden, providing good breeding petalled flowers. Leaves offer autumn habitat. colour as plant dies back for the winter. Foliage: Fronds are erect when growing in Growing conditions: mud, floating when growing in water. Moist soils or shallow water. Growing conditions: In a garden pond.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL
SUN SUN < 0.3 m SUN SUN 0.5 m – 1.5
< 1m FULL SHADE FULL SHADE
69 WETLAND PLANTS
Mentha australis Persicaria decipiens River Mint Slender Knotweed
Soft sprawling, sometimes erect, Dense groundcover, useful for moist perennial herb with a minty aroma. and boggy sites and around water Useful for containers, rockeries and for edges, dies back in winter and during moist and shady areas, may become long periods of dryness. An aquatic invasive in ideal conditions. to semi aquatic erect to spreading perennial herb with slender sprawling Flowers and foliage: stems. Small white to pale mauve tubular flowers. Flowers and foliage: Small pink flowers in slender spikes. Growing conditions: Moist soils. Growing conditions: Moist soils.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN < 0.6 m 0.2 m – 0.8
0.3m – 1m FULL SHADE < 1m FULL SHADE
70 WETLAND PLANTS
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Triglochin spp River Club Rush Water Ribbons
An attractive rush to grow around These slender, tufted semi-acquatic water edges, suited to swamps and perennial herbs are rush-like spreading wetlands, this perennial herb is useful plants for water-logged, wet and for erosion control. swampy soils. Flowers and foliage: Flowers and foliage: Brown flowerheads. Tiny greenish-yellow flowers. Growing conditions: Growing conditions: Wet soils. Moist, poorly drained soils.
Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowers J F M A M J J A S O N D
FULL PARTIAL FULL PARTIAL SUN SUN SUN SUN 1 m – 3 1.5 m – 2
1.5m – 3m FULL SHADE FULL SHADE
71 6 Weeds in Whitehorse
The following plants are considered to be environmental weeds of Whitehorse. They are species that invade and thrive in our native bushland where they do not naturally occur. They commonly occur in gardens, often spreading into our native bushland areas. These weeds tend to dominate, threatening the natural balance of the remnant indigenous flora and fauna of Whitehorse. By removing the following species from your garden you can help protect what remains of our native bushland. Before removing any trees, please check what permits you require by calling the Planning Department on 9262 6303.
Trees and Shrubs
Boneseed Cape Broom, Cootamundra Wattle Chrysanthemoides monilifera Montpellior Broom Acacia baileyana It is an evergreen yellow Genista monspessulana It has fine silvery-grey flowering shrub with It has round, ribbed, feathery foliage and soft leathery leaves with hairy twigs with ridged, balls of golden yellow toothed edges. Grows to woody, grey-brown flowers. Grows to 8m 3m high. stems. Grows to 2.5m. high. Flowers: Winter Flowers: spring to early Flowers mid-winter Seed Set: Pods ripen early summer Seed set: Pods ripen spring Summer Seed set: Pods ripen late and summer spring into summer 72 Weeds in Whitehorse
Cotoneaster Desert Ash Flax-leaved Broom Cotoneaster spp. Fraxinus angustifolia Genista linifolia This plant produces Desert ash is a spreading This is a shrub with clusters of white flowers deciduous tree. Leaves hairy green stems and during spring and consist of seven leaflets branches which can summer followed by red and turn various shades of exceed two meters in berries which hang on yellow and gold in autumn. height. Its leaves are the branches for months Grows to 25m high. made up of tough, green, after flowering. Grows to lance-shaped leaflets Flowers: Late winter 5 m high. with woolly undersides. Seed set: Summer Grows to 3m high. Flowers: Spring and Summer Seed set: Red berries in Flowers: Spring Autumn Seed set: Pods ripen late spring into summer
Gorse, Furze Hawthorn Mirror Bush Ulex europaeus Crataegus monogyna Coprosma angustifolia Sharp spiny shrub with A large prickly deciduous This evergreen shrub to woody spreading stems. shrub or small tree to 10 small tree can grow to pods turning black when m that was previously 6 m high. It has round, mature ready to explode grown for hedges or glossy leaves. Grows to to release seeds. Grows cheap barrier fences. 6m high. to 2m high. Grows up to 10 m high. Flowers: Spring to early Flowers: Winter to summer Flowers: Spring summer Seed set: Seed can be on Seed set: Red berries in Seed set: Orange berries in a mature plant at almost Autumn Summer and Autumn anytime. 73 Privet Radiata or Monterey Sallow Wattle Ligustrum spp. Pine Acacia longifolia A number of species from Pinus radiata In Victoria it is thought shrubs to small trees are This evergreen tree to be native to the East evergreen often found has upward pointing Gippsland area. It is an in moist, nutrient rich branches and a rounded extremely fast growing sites such as gullies, on top. The needles are evergreen shrub. Grows roadsides and in home bright green with a blunt up to 8m high. gardens. Grows up to 10 tip. Grows up to 4m. Flowers: Winter m high. Flowers: Winter and Spring Seed set: Pods ripen early Flowers: Early spring Seed Set: Cones can release summer Seed set: Orange berries in seeds anytime Autumn and Winter
Sweet Pittosporum Willow Pittosporum undulatum Salix spp It has coarse grey bark A number of different and glossy green leaves. problem species exist, all The small, white, highly of them trees. Grows up fragrant flowers are to 25m. followed by orange-tan Flowers: Late winter berries which can persist Seed set: Seed is rarely fertile for several months. but plants grow very easily Grows up to 14m high. from small branchlets taking Flowers: Early Spring root after being washed Seed set: Orange berries in downstream from mature trees. Autumn and Winter 74 Herbs, Grasses and Bulbs
Agapanthus Angled Onion Black Nightshade Agapanthus praecox Allium triquetrum Solanum nigrum subsp. Orientalis This perennial herb This bushy annual herb This perennial herb form has stems which are has green to purple dense clumps with long, concavely triangular in stems. It has clusters of thick, white rhizomes. cross-section. crushed. small white star-shaped It has leathery, arching Grows up to 30cm high. flowers often tinged leaves with watery sap with purple. Grows up to Flowers: Late winter & spring that grow from the base 60cm. Seed set: Spring and summer. in clumps of up to 20. Spreads by bulb division. Flowers: Spring to summer Grows up to 1m high. Seed set: Ripening in late Flowers: Spring and summer spring and summer. Seed set: Summer. Spreads mostly by division of the bulb.
Cats-ear, Flatweed Capeweed Cocksfoot Hypochoeris radicata Arctotheca clanedula Dactylis glomerata The leaves form a low- This annual plant grows It has a distinctive tufted lying rosette around a in rosettes and sends triangular flower head central taproot. Grows out stolons enabling it to which may be either up to 60cm high. spread across the ground green or red to purple quickly. petals. Grows up tinged turning pale grey- Flowers: Almost anytime to 50cm high. brown at seed maturity. Seed set: Almost anytime Grows up to 1.5m high. Flowers: Winter and spring Seed set: Late spring Flowers: Spring/summer Seed set: Summer/autumn 75 Couch Grass Drain Flat Sedge, Cynodon dactylon Umbrella Sedge Creeping Buttercup Cyperus eragrostis The grass creeps along Ranunculus repens the ground and roots This perennial sedge wherever a node touches This creeping perennial often forms dense the ground, forming a grows in damp degraded clumps. It has long, solid dense mat. It reproduces places. Leaves are in triangular stems with through seeds, runners, clusters on long stems slender leaves that grow and rhizomes. and are almost round. from the base of the stem. Grows up to 90 cm. Flowers: Summer Flowers: Spring/summer Seed set: Summer and autumn. Seed set: Spring, summer and Flowers: Spring and summer Plant mainly spreads by vigorous autumn. Spreads by creeping Seed set: Spring and summer runners that take root easily. stems.
Fennel Kikuyu Larger Quaking Grass Foeniculum vulgare Pennisetum clandestinum Briza maxima It produces numerous Perennial creeping grass This is a short-lived short-lived upright stems that can form a mat. slender grass. It has few from a long-lived crown. Grows up to 2m when leaf blades and stands Leaves give off a strong supported by other plants. upright.The leaves have aniseed-like smell when a noticeable twist. Grows handled or crushed. Flowers: Rarely flowers locally Seed set: Not significant. up to 60cm tall. Grows up to 2m high. Spreads by fragments taking Flowers: Late winter to early Flowers: Summer to autumn root and by vigorous creeping spring Seed set: Late summer/autumn. stems. Seed set: Spring and summer Plant spreads by division. 76 Lesser Quaking Grass, Montbretia Oxalis, Soursob Shivery Grass Cososmia x crocosmiiflora Oxalis pes-caprae Briza minor A perennial herb, its This herbaceous plant This is a slender, erect light brown corms have grows up each year from and hairless grass. It a fibrous cover and form underground bulbs. has few leaf blades clusters of three or more Grows up to 40cm. at the stem base. Grows and stands straight up. Flowers: Late winter - summer up to 1m high. Grows up to 60cm high. Seed set: Seed is rarely fertile Flowers: Spring Flowers: Spring and summer but plants multiply rapidly Seed set: Late spring and Seed set: Summer and early from underground bulbils. summer autumn, also spreads by corns in soil.
Panic Veldt Grass Paterson’s Curse Spear Thistle Ehrharta erecta Echium plantagineum Cirsium vulgare This is a tufted grass. Erect annual herb with This herb is a spiny, large It will grow almost purple flowers. Grows up headed, purple flowered anywhere even in shady to 1.5m tall. annual to biennial thistle. positions. It especially Grows up to 1.5 m high. Flowers: Winter to summer likes moist conditions. Seed set: Autumn and winter Flowers: Mainly in summer Grows up to 90cm high. and autumn. Flowers: Spring summer Seed set: Mainly in summer Seed set: Spring, summer and and autumn autumn 77 Sweet Vernal Grass Watsonia Wild Oat Anthoxanthum odoratum Watsonia meriana Avena fatua This perennial grass var bulbillifera This grass forms dense forms tufts and has This perennial forms tufts. It has a a typical oat elongated leaves. It has dense clumps from stout, appearance with hollow, narrow and spike-like fibrous coated corms that erect stems. It is sparsely seed heads at the tips of multiply at ground level. hairy. Grows up to 1.5m upright stems. Grows up Grows up to 2m high. high. to 60cm tall. Flowers: Spring Flowers: Late winter and spring Flowers: Spring Seed set: Late spring and Seed set: Spring to early Seed set: Spring and summer summer. Spreads by buds summer or corns on stems and main bulb.
Yorkshire Fog Grass Holcus lanatus This grass forms dense tufts. Its leaves are soft and hairy which extend from a round stem. Grows up to 1m high. Flowers: Spring and summer Seed set: Summer and autumn
78 Climbers and Scramblers
Asparagus Ferns Blackberry Blue Periwinkle Asparagus scandens/ Rubus fruticosus spp.agg. Vinca major Asparagus densiflorus This scrambler is very This spreading perennial This multi-branched thorny with large root ground cover has dense scrambling or climbing crowns and long suckers. green foliage and small herb forms a dense Grows up to 2m high. blue flowers. Grows up to 50cm high. underground mat of Flowers: Spring to early rhizomatous roots. Grows summer Flowers: Most of the year up to 60cm high. Seed set: Green, ripening to Seed set: Plants spreads Flowers: Late summer blackberries in late summer/ rapidly by stems taking root Seed set: Autumn autumn. wherever they touch the soil.
Bridal Veil Creeper Asparagus asparagoides This scrambling or twining perennial has Cleavers Common Vetch dense clusters of white, Galium aparine Vicia sativa fleshy, tuberous roots. It has twisted, thin, wiry This annual has creeping It has hollow, four-sided green stems with pointed straggling stems which stems. The flowers are leaves. Grows up to 3m. branch and grow along bright pink-purple in color. the ground and over Grows up to 2m high. Flowers: Spring (inconspicuous) other plants. Seed set: Red berries in Flowers: Spring summer. Also spreads Flowers: Spring to summer Seed set: Pods ripen late vegetatively from corns in the Seed set: Summer spring/summer soil. 79 English Ivy Japanese Morning Glory Hedera helix Honeysuckle Ipomoea indica Lonicera japonica It is easily distinguished This is a high climbing by its dark green lobed Vigorous semi-deciduous vine with tough, hairy, leaves. Unpruned, it climber with long, tough, twining, running stems. smothers everything, wiry stems that twine Flowers: Spring/summer debilitates trees and sets clockwise, are purplish and Seed set: Summer/autumn. large quantities of seed. hairy when young, and Plant also spreads very rapidly turn woody as they mature. Flowers: Autumn/winter from cuttings or broken pieces Grows up to 8m high. Seed set: Winter. Plant also of stem that come into contact spreads by stems setting Flowers: Late winter to with the soil. roots where they touch soil. summer Seed set: soon after flowering
Wandering Creeper Flowers: Sporadic throughout Tradescantia fluminensis the year, although mainly in spring or summer A trailing perennial Seed set: Seeds not fertile, groundcover with but plant spreads easily and succulent, soft, creeping rapidly from rootlets forming stems. It takes root at where leaves touch soil. all nodes touching the ground.
80 7 Further Resources and Contacts
Whitehorse City Council Resources ONLINE Whitehorse Tree Education Program www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Tree-Education-Program.html Weeds of Whitehorse www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Weeds-of-Whitehorse.html Whitehorse Indigenous Landscape Tool www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Landscape-Design-Tool.html Whitehorse Landscape Guidelines www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Landscape-Plans.html
PUBLICATIONS Weeds of Whitehorse Brochure Whitehorse Urban Biodiversity Strategy Contact Council on 9262 6333 to receive a copy.
WHITEHORSE PARKLAND ADVISORY COMMITTEES Parkland Advisory Committees provide valuable support for the care and improvement of many of our parks. If you’d like to get involved find your local Parkland Advisory Committee at: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Parkland-Advisory-Committees.html
81 References and Advice PUBLICATIONS
Bushfood, Jennifer Issacs, New Plant Indigenous: A Guide for Hollan Publishers, 2002 Whitehorse, Blackburn and District Tree Preservation Society, Whitehorse Flora of Melbourne A Guide to the City Council, 2000 Indigenous Plants of the Greater Melbourne Area (4th edition), Whitehorse in Flower-Indigenous Marilyn Bull (author) and George Plants (Poster), Blackburn & District Stolfo (illustrator), Hyland House, 2014 Tree Preservation Society Inc. Native Plants of Melbourne and Wild Food Plants of Australia. An Adjoining Area, David and Barbara Australian nature field guide, Tim Jones, Blooming Books, 1999 Low, Angus & Robertson, 1991 Native Trees and Shrubs of South Eastern Australia (2nd Edition), Leon Costermans, Reed New Holland, 2009
ONLINE
Birdlife Melbourne www.birdlifemelbourne.org.au Blackburn and District Tree Preservation Society www.bdtps.wordpress.com Field Naturalists Club of Victoria www.fncv.org.au Grow me instead www.growmeinstead.com.au Indigenous Flora and Fauna Association www.iffa.org.au Sustainable Gardening Australia www.sgaonline.org.au Weeds in Australia www.environment.gov.aubiodiversity/invasive/weeds VAA Victorian Apiarists’ Association www.vicbeekeepers.com.au
82 8 Index of Plants
Alphabetically by Botanical Name
Acacia acinacea (Gold Dust Wattle) p.38 Carex fascicularis (Tassel Sedge) p.68 Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle) p.25 Cassinia aculeata (Common Cassinia) Acacia genistifolia (Spreading Wattle) p.38 p.40 Acacia implexa (Lightwood) p.25 Cassinia longifolia (Long-leaf Cassinia) p.41 Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle) p.26 Chrysocephalum semipappossum Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood) p.26 (Clustered Everlasting) p.41 Acacia myrtifolia (Myrtle Wattle) p.39 Clematis aristata (Mountain Clematis) Acacia paradoxa (Hedge Wattle) p.33 p.64 Acacia pycnantha (Golden Wattle) p.27 Clematis decipiens (Small-leaved Acacia stricta (Hop Wattle) p.39 Clematis) p.65 Acacia strictophylla (Cinnamon Wattle) Coprosma quadrifida (Prickly Currant- p.33 bush) p.42 Acacia verticillata (Prickly Moses) p.40 Coronidium scorpoides (Curling Everlasting) p.42 Acaena novae-zelandiae (Bidgee Widgee) p.50 Correa glabra (Rock Correa) p.43 Adiantum aethiopicum (Common Correa reflexa (Common Correa) p.43 Maidenhair) p.50 Dianella admixta (Black-anther Flax-lily) Alisma plantago-aquatica (Water p.56 Plantain) p.67 Dianella laevis (Pale Flax-lily) p.57 Allocasuarina littoralis. (Black Sheoak) Dianella tasmanica (Tasman Flax-lily) p.27 p.57 Arthropodium milleforum (Pale Vanilla- Dichondra repens (Kidney-weed) p.51 lily) p.55 Einadia nutans (Nodding Saltbush) p.52 Arthropodium strictum (Chocolate Lily) p.55 Eleocharis acuta (Common Spike Rush) Austrostipa rudis (Veined Spear Grasses) p.67 p.60 Enchylaena tomentosa (Ruby Salt Bush) Banksia marginata (Silver Banksia) p.28 p.44 Billardiera scandens (Common Apple- Epacris impressa (Common Heath) p.44 berry) p.64 Eucalyptus cephalocarpa (Silver-leaf Bulbine bulbosa (Bulbine Lily) p.56 Stringybark) p.28 Bursaria spinosa (Sweet Bursaria) p.34 Eucalyptus goniocalyx (Long-leafed box) Carex appressa (Tall Sedge) p.60 p.29
83 Eucalyptus macrorhyncha (Red Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass) Stringybark) p.29 p.61 Eucalyptus melliodora (Yellow Box) p.30 Microseris lanceolata (Yam Daisy) p.53 Eucalyptus oblique (Messmate) p.30 Olearia lirata (Snowy Daisy Bush) p.48 Eucalyptus ovata (Swamp Gum) p.31 Ozothamnus ferrugineus (Tree Eucalyptus polyanthemos (Red Box) Everlasting) p.36 p.31 Pandorea pandorana (Wonga Vine) p.66 Eucalyptus radiata (Narrow-leaved Patersonia occidentalis (Long Purple- Peppermint) p.32 flag) p.59 Eucalyptus viminalis (Manna Gum) p.32 Pelargonium austral (Austral Stork’s Bill) Geranium solanderi (Austral Crane’s-bill) p.48 p.52 Persicaria decipiens (Slender Knotweed) Goodenia ovate (Hop Goodenia) p.45 p.70 Goodia lotifolia (Golden Tip) p.45 Poa ensiformis (Sword Tussock-grass) p.61 Gynatrix pulchella (Hemp Bush) p.46 Poa labillardierei (Common Tussock- Hakea decurrens (Bushy Needlewood) grass) p.62 p.34 Poa morrisii (Velvet Tussock-grass) p.62 Hardenbergia violacea (Purple Coral- pea) p.65 Pomaderris racemosa (Cluster Pomaderris) p.36 Indigofera australis (Austral Indigo) p.46 Prostanthera lasianthos (Victorian Juncus spp (Rushes (seven species)) Christmas Bush) p.37 p.68 Rubus parvifolius (Native Raspberry) Kennedia prostrate (Running Postman) p.66 p.53 Rytidosperma spp (Wallaby Grasses) Kunzea leptospermoides (Yarra Burgan) p.63 p.35 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (River Leptospermum continentale (Prickly Club-rush) p.71 Tea-tree) p.47 Solanum aviculare (Kangaroo Apple) Lomandra filiformis (Wattle Mat-rush) p.49 p.58 Spyridium parvifolium (Dusty Miller) p.49 Lomandra longifolia (Spiny-headed Mat- rush) p.58 Stylidium graminifolium (Grass-leaved Triggerplant) p.59 Lythrum salicaria (Purple Loosestrife) p.69 Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass) p.63 Marsilea drummondii (Common Nardoo) p.69 Triglochin spp (Water Ribbons) p.71 Melaleuca ericifolia (Swamp Paperbark) Viminaria juncea (Native Broom) p.37 p.35 Viola hederacea (Native Violet) p.54 Melicytus dentatus (Tree Violet) p.47 Wahlenbergia spp (Bluebells) p.54 Mentha australis (River mint) p.70 84 Alphabetically by Common Name
Austral Crane’s-bill (Geranium solanderi) Common Tussock-grass (Poa p.52 labillardierei) p.62 Austral Indigo (Indigofera australis) p.46 Clustered Everlasting (Chrysocephalum Austral Stork’s Bill (Pelargonium austral) semipapposum) p.41 p.48 Curling Everlasting (Coronidium Bidgee Widgee (Acaena novae- scorpoides) p.42 zelandiae)p.50 Cut Leaf Daisy (Brachyscome multifida) Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) p.26 p.51 Black-anther Flax-lily (Dianella admixta) Dusty Miller (Spyridium parvifolium) p.49 p.56 Gold Dust Wattle (Acacia acinacea) p.38 Black Sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis) Golden Tip (Goodia lotifolia) p.45 p.27 Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) p.27 Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) p.26 Grass-leaved Triggerplant (Stylidium Bluebells (Wahlenbergia spp) p.54 graminifolium) p.59 Bulbine Lily (Bulbine bulbosa) p.56 Hedge Wattle (Acacia paradoxa) p.33 Bushy Needlewood (Hakea decurrens) Hemp Bush (Gynatrix pulchella) p.46 p.34 Hop Goodenia (Goodenia ovate) p.45 Chocolate Lily (Arthropodium strictum) Hop Wattle (Acacia stricta) p.39 p.55 Kangaroo Apple (Solanum aviculare) Cluster Pomaderris (Pomaderris p.49 racemosa) p.36 Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra) Cinnamon Wattle (Acacia strictophylla) p.63 p.33 Kidney-weed (Dichondra repens) p.51 Clustered Everlasting (Chrysocephalum semipappossum) p.41 Lightwood (Acacia implexa) p.25 Common Apple-berry (Billardiera Long leaf box (Eucalyptus goniocalyx) scandens) p.64 p.29 Common Cassinia (Cassinia aculeate) Long Purple-flag (Patersonia p.40 occidentalis) p.59 Common Correa (Correa reflexa) p.43 Long-leaf Cassinia (Cassinia longifolia) p.41 Common Heath (Epacris impressa) p.44 Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) p.32 Common Maidenhair (Adiantum aethiopicum) p.50 Messmate (Eucalyptus oblique) p.30 Common Nardoo (Marsilea drummondii) Mountain Clematis (Clematis aristata) p.69 p.64 Common Spike Rush (Eleocharis acuta) Myrtle Wattle (Acacia myrtifolia) p.39 p.67 Narrow-leaved Peppermint (Eucalyptus radiata) p.32
85 Native Broom (Viminaria juncea) p.37 Snowy Daisy Bush (Olearia lirata) p.48 Native Raspberry (Rubus parvifolius) Spiny-headed Mat-rush (Lomandra p.66 longifolia) p.58 Native Violet (Viola hederacea) p.54 Spreading Wattle (Acacia genistifolia) Nodding Saltbush (Einadia nutans) p.52 p.38 Pale Flax-lily (Dianella laevis) p.57 Swamp gum (Eucalyptus ovata) p.31 Pale Vanilla-lily (Arthropodium Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia) milleforum) p.55 p.35 Prickly Currant-bush (Coprosma Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa) p.34 quadrifida) p.42 Sword Tussock-grass (Poa ensiformis) Prickly Moses (Acacia verticillata) p.40 p.61 Prickly Tea-tree (Leptospermum Tall Sedge (Carex appressa) p.60 continentale) p.47 Tasman Flax-lily (Dianella tasmanica) Purple Coral-pea (Hardenbergia p.57 violacea) p.65 Tassel Sedge (Carex fascicularis) p.68 Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Tree Everlasting (Ozothamnus p.69 ferrugineus) p.36 Red Box (Eucalyptus polyanthemos) Tree Violet (Melicytus dentatus) p.47 p.31 Veined Spear Grasses (Austrostipa Red Stringybark (Eucalyptus rudis) p.60 macrorhyncha) p.29 Velvet Tussock-grass (Poa morrisii) River Club-rush (Schoenoplectus p.62 tabernaemontani) p.71 Victorian Christmas Bush (Prostanthera River mint (Mentha australis) p.70 lasianthos) p.37 Rock Correa (Correa glabra) p.43 Wallaby Grasses (Rytidosperma spp) Ruby Salt Bush (Enchylaena p.63 tomentosa) p.44 Water Plantain (Alisma plantago- Running Postman (Kennedia prostrate) aquatica) p.67 p.53 Water Ribbons (Triglochin spp) p.71 Rushes (seven species) (Juncus spp) Wattle Mat-rush (Lomandra filiformis) p.68 p.58 Silver Banksia (Banksia marginata) p.28 Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides) Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata) p.25 p.61 Silver-leaf Stringybark (Eucalyptus Wonga Vine (Pandorea pandorana) p.66 cephalocarpa) p.28 Yam Daisy (Microseris lanceolata) p.53 Slender Knotweed (Persicaria Yarra Burgan (Kunzea leptospermoides) decipiens) p.70 p.35 Small-leaved Clematis (Clematis Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) decipiens) p.65 p.30
86 9 Glossary
Biodiversity Native flora The diversity of all living things – Plants originating anywhere within from genetics to plants and animals, Australia to communities and ecosystems. Provenance Environmental weeds The geographic range in which a Plants that invade and thrive in species, subspecies or variety of native bushland areas where they plant or animal may be found. do not naturally occur. These plants tend to dominate, threatening the Remnant bushland/vegetation natural ecology. Patches of vegetation that have remained relatively undisturbed by Flora European influence. Such patches Plants are fairly rare in Whitehorse and they nearly always exhibit higher Indigenous flora diversity than other sites. Plants originating from and found Weeds naturally in a particular region of Australia (may be multiple regions). A plant that is undesirable on a particular site, usually because Local Provenance it dominates and out competes Plants that are the local variety or desirable plants. perhaps a sub species of one found throughout a region. Plants of the local provenance have a unique genetic makeup which has evolved to suit the specific conditions in the region.
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