Download Indigenous Plants For Your Garden

Indigenous
Plants
For Your
Garden
July 2001
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
CONTENTS
CREATING AN INDIGENOUS GARDEN
3
TREES
10
TALL SHRUBS
15
MEDIUM SHRUBS
17
LOW SHRUBS
23
SMALL HERBS AND GROUND COVERS
27
LILIES
34
GRASSES, RUSHES AND SEDGES
37
CREEPERS AND CLIMBERS
42
AQUATIC AND SEMI-AQUATIC PLANTS
45
CROSS REFERENCE FOR EASY PLANT SELECTION
48
ENVIRONMENTAL WEEDS
55
COMMUNITY GROUPS IN BANYULE
57
REFERENCES
59
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This guide provides descriptions of indigenous plants suitable for planting within Banyule and
outlines their requirements.
It should be read in conjunction with the poster entitled Banyule's Indigenous Plants, which
contains colour illustrations of many of the plants dealt with here.
To clearly identify the species that would have occurred at your specific location, refer to
the Vegetation Community Map and its companion report 'The Vegetation Communities of
the City of Banyule'., which are both available from Council Service Centres.
Illustrations © Jan Smith 2001, phone (03) 5962 4332
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CREATING AN INDIGENOUS GARDEN
An increased awareness in the community of the value of indigenous vegetation has created
a lot of interest in establishing local native gardens. With advice on the plants to choose and
some tender care, it’s easy to transform your backyard into a low maintenance wildlife
haven.
What are indigenous plants?
Indigenous plants are native species which occur naturally in a local area. Over 300 species
have been recorded within Banyule. They range from the majestic River Red Gums which
provide habitat and food for birds, possums, koalas and insects to small herbs such as the
butterfly attracting Yam Daisy
Why choose indigenous plants for your garden?
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Indigenous plants have adapted to the local conditions over thousands of years, and are
well suited to the soil, topography and climate. They can rely on rainfall and soil
nutrients, needing little artificial care. Once established, indigenous plants generally
require less maintenance and watering than many exotic species.
Many species of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects are dependent on native vegetation
for their survival. Indigenous plants provide habitat and food for native fauna including
birds, mammals, insects, lizards and spiders.
Indigenous species are part of the local ecosystem, so won’t create problems by invading
bushland or becoming environmental weeds.
You will be contributing to the creation and enhancement of wildlife corridors and
providing links between fragmented and otherwise isolated areas of natural habitat
By choosing indigenous plants for your garden and protecting remnant vegetation you
will be maintaining the natural balance of the local ecosystem, reducing possible pest
outbreaks and the need to use pesticides and insecticides
Indigenous plants contribute significantly to the distinctive local character of an area
What plants should you chose?
Advice is available on the selection of plants. The indigenous nurseries listed at the end of
this section provide help and guidance when designing an indigenous garden and choosing
plants.
Banyule Council has produced a report titled ‘Vegetation Communities of the City of
Banyule’ and a Vegetation Community Map, which can be used to determine what plants
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grew at your site prior to urban development. Copies are available from Banyule’s Service
Centres at Ivanhoe, Rosanna or Greensborough (Phone: 9490 4222). Try to choose plants
which are part of the appropriate plant community for your area. Contact the Council for
these documents.
Where areas have been highly disturbed and local conditions changed, it may not be possible
to re-establish the indigenous plants. Changed conditions can be the result of soil erosion,
salinity, high levels of nutrients, soil removal and soil compaction. Take note of any
environmental conditions at your site.
Each species of indigenous plant has particular requirements for growth. It is important to
select plants according to your environmental conditions. For instance, River Red Gums are
very large trees which prefer moist, deep soils and are common along flood plains or
waterways. They will be far too large for most suburban blocks and will not do well in
exposed situations such as a dry hilltop. Similarly Running Marsh Flower prefers
permanently moist soils or shallow water, making it an attractive plant for shallow ponds or
bog gardens. The next section of this book describes the specific requirement of each plant.
Use the table at the end of this booklet to choose plants for your situation. The nursery
staff will also be able to help you with your choices.
Make a plan
Draw a rough plan of your site including the location of hard landscaping such as paths, as
well as underground services and overhead wires. Consider the mature size of trees, don’t
plant tall trees under powerlines or where they could interfere with paths or driveways or
overhang houses. Unless your site is very large, avoid planting too many trees.
Consider soil type, drainage, aspect and topography. Do you have any shady, wet or full sun
areas? You can select indigenous plants to cope with a wide range of conditions.
Roughly mark out the arrangement of garden beds and take your plan down to your
indigenous nursery to discuss your particular requirements. This booklet also gives a
description of plant requirements.
Plant a variety of life forms including: trees, shrubs, grasses, sedges, groundcovers and
climbers. In nature, clumps of the same species are common. Try to plant several
specimens of the same plant together in a clump for a massed effect.
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Special Plants for particular situations
Ground covers
Dichondra repens (Kidney Weed) is a low growing plant that quickly spreads and covers the
ground providing habitat for insects and invertebrates, helping to retain soil moisture and
minimising weed growth. Viola hederaceae (Ivy-leafed Violet) is a similar mat forming plant,
which has attractive small white flowers. Both these plants prefer moist situations. In drier
spots, Einadia nutans (Nodding Saltbush) and Atriplex semibaccata (Creeping Saltbush) both
provide small red berries that are eaten by birds, insects and reptiles.
Colourful flowers
Brachyscome multifida (Cut-leaf Daisy), Chrysocephalum semipapposum (Clustered Everlasting),
Craspedia glauca (Common Billy Buttons), Helichrysum scorpiodes (Button Everlasting) and ,
Leptorhynchos squamatus (Scaly Buttons) all have brightly coloured showy flowers and look
great planted together for a cottage garden effect. Correa reflexa (Common Correa) is a
small shrub with green or red tubular flowers that attract nectar feeding birds and is well
worth growing.
Moist areas
Goodenia ovata (Hop Goodenia) is a very adaptable small shrub that can be pruned to keep it
compact. It has bright green glossy leaves and yellow flowers for most of the year. Mentha
australis (River Mint) is a low spreading herb with soft aromatic foliage and white flowers. Its
leaves were used by aborigines for flavour in cooking and medicinal purposes, and can be
enjoyed as a fragrant, refreshing tea.
Borders and hedges
Many indigenous plants respond well to pruning and can be trained as hedges
Rapanea howittiana (Muttonwood) has dark green glossy leaves and is similar in appearance
to the invasive Sweet Pittosporum. Pomaderris prunifolia (Plum-leaf Pomaderris), Correa
glabra (Rock Correa) Dodonea viscosa ssp. spatulata (Wedge-leaf Hop Bush) and Goodenia
ovata (Hop Goodenia) can all be pruned to form hedges of varying heights.
Dianella longifolia (Pale Flax-lily), Dianella revoluta (Black Anther Flax-lily), Carex appressa (Tall
Sedge) and Lomandra longifolia (Spiny Headed Mat-rush) are all tussock forming plants that
can either be planted in clusters as foliage accents or in rows to form low borders.
Foliage accents
In addition to the above mentioned plants which have strappy, green foliage, Themeda
triandra (Kangaroo Grass) can also be used as a foliage accent plant, with its tussock shape,
bleached grey green leaves and its unusual flowers held on long stalks. Poa species make
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interesting features with tall flower spikes and rounded tussock habit. They respond well to
hard pruning in late summer - early autumn to keep their round shape.
Feature shrubs and trees
Although the giant river red gums and other tall eucalypts would be too large for most
suburban blocks, the following small trees and shrubs are ideal as features in a backyard or
small garden:
Allocasuarina littoralis (Black Sheoak) – has fine foliage and an attractive pyramidal shape
Indigofera australis (Austral Indigo) – has sprays of mauve pea flowers and delicate pinnate
leaves
Olearia lirata (Snowy Daisy-bush) – masses of white daisy flowers in spring
Solanum laciniatum (Large Kangaroo Apple) – can be shaped by pruning, has large dark green
dissected leaves , purple flowers and yellow berries which turn deep orange as they ripen
Correa glabra and Correa reflexa – birds (especially honeyeaters) are attracted by the
greenish-yellow bell shaped flowers
When should you plant?
In areas that are subject to heavy frosts, planting is best undertaken in early to mid spring
whilst the weather is warming up and the soil is still moist. In very dry, rocky or exposed
sites, plant in mid to late autumn after the first soaking rains of the season. Seedlings planted
at this time of year should only require one or two waterings unless the weather is very dry.
Try to avoid planting during winter as losses due to cold weather and waterlogging are high
during this season. Similarly unless you water regularly, planting during summer is best
avoided.
How do I attract wildlife?
Just by creating an indigenous garden, native wildlife will be attracted, but there are a few
additional things you can do if you want to create a wildlife haven.
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Provide some water in your garden (a pond, a birdbath or just some containers of
water). Make sure they are out of reach of cats and dogs.
Plant thickly and include some prickly species for roosting, nesting and protection from
predators
Choose a variety of plants and lifeforms, especially species with flowers for nectar
feeding birds as well as plants which produce seeds and fruit
Leave logs, sticks, leaves and branches on the ground to produce a natural bush mulch
and provide habitat for insects and lizards. Logs with hollows are particularly good
wildlife habitat, especially if they are out of reach for cats and dogs
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How to create an indigenous garden
Preparing your site well before planting can increase the survival and longevity of your
plants.
Your planting area should be free from weeds. Loosen soil only if it is compacted as the
disturbance caused by digging can result in the emergence of weeds. Either hand pull the
weeds or mow very low and lay down newspaper (at least 6-10 sheets thick) to suppress
further weed growth. Mulch thickly but be careful to plant into the soil below and not the
mulch or plants will dry out and die. Any type of mulch can be used. Chipped waste wood
mulches are particularly good as they are low in nutrients and don’t contain weed seeds. Be
careful to choose one that has been screened to remove nails and metal fragments. Chipped
greenwaste mulches are also good, especially if they contain more woody than leafy material
and have been well composted to kill weed seeds and pathogens. Banyule City Council has
a recycled mulch available from the Waste Transfer Station (contact Customer Service on
9490 4222 for further information)
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Give your plants a thorough pre-soaking in a bucket of water for 20 to 30 minutes
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Dig a planting hole slightly deeper and about twice the width of the pot
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If the soil is dry or it is a dry time of year, fill the hole with water and allow it to drain
before proceeding
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Remove the plant from the pot by first trimming any protruding roots then placing your
fingers over the soil, turn the pot upside down and strike the rim firmly on a solid
object. The plant should slide easily from the pot with minimal root disturbance
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Place the plant in position. A small amount of a slow release fertiliser specific for natives
or organic matter could be added at this stage. Ensure all soil lumps are broken up
thoroughly, thus avoiding air pockets. Firmly press the soil into the hole
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Mulch around the plant to a depth of about 10cm, but keep mulch away from the stem
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Water the plant in well (at least 1-2 litres per plant). This will help to settle the soil
around the root system
Caring for your garden
Indigenous gardens generally require minimal maintenance, but will respond to some extra
care and attention.
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You can tip prune to encourage a dense habit and vigorous growth
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In very dry periods plants will benefit from deep watering, but will usually survive just on
the natural rainfall once established. It’s better to water plants heavily but infrequently.
Regular shallow watering produces shallow root systems that are not drought tolerant
and make for unstable plants
Native plants generally have a low nutrient requirement and don’t require artificial
fertillising. If you do want to fertilise, choose a slow release fertiliser specifically
designed for natives and apply sparingly
Keep your garden free from weeds
Where can I buy indigenous plants?
The following nurseries in the Banyule area specialise in indigenous plants;
Check that all plants you purchase are grown from local provenance material
Keelbundora Indigenous Plant Nursery
Located adjacent to the LaTrobe University Melbourne Sanctuary, Melways Map Ref 19 H6
Open weekdays 9am to 5pm and on Sundays 10am to 5pm.
Advice on plants & landscaping with indigenous plants is also available
9479 2871
Victorian Indigenous Nurseries Cooperative
VINC is situated in Yarra Bend Park, Fairfield, Melways Map Ref 2D F4
Hours of opening: Monday - Friday 9.30 am-4.30 pm, Saturday-Sunday 12 noon-4 pm
Staff offer advice on how indigenous plants can be successfully used in your garden.
9482-1710
Wyeena Nursery
945 Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Rd, Smiths Gully, Melways Map Ref 264 F3
Opening hours - 8am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday (closed Sunday)
Ask staff for advice on your specific requirements.
9710 1340
Enjoying your garden
It is very important to take time out to enjoy your garden. Our indigenous vegetation has a
subtle beauty and special charm of its own. Make a conscious effort to spend time observing
the birds, insects and animals that make your garden their home. We guarantee you will be
well rewarded.
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Getting involved
Banyule has a dedicated network of friend's and community groups who undertake weed
control and habitat creation works in our parks and reserves. Contact one of the groups
listed on page 57 for details of how you can become involved. Many groups hold regular
working bees and special activities. People of all ages, abilities and skills are encouraged to
join in and lend a hand in their local bush areas. It’s a great way to get to know other
people with an interest in native wildlife and our environment.
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TREES
small 5-8m, medium 8-13m, large >13m high
Acacia dealbata
Silver Wattle
• medium to large tree with grey-green feathery foliage, bright
yellow flowers in winter-spring followed by purple seed pods
• very fast growing, prefers deep moist soils, semi shade
• food source for possums, sugar gliders, caterpillars and birds
• Aborigines used gum as a source of food, medicine and fibres,
seeds were eaten and wood used for weapons and tools
• watercourses, floodplains, sheltered slopes
• tolerates a wide range of soil types
Acacia implexa
Lightwood
• small tree with sickle-shaped phyllodes (flattened stems
replacing true leaves), clusters of cream perfumed flowers in
summer
• fast growing and long-lived wattle, prefers dry well drained
soils, full sun
• food source for birds
• Aborigines produced a dye from phyllodes, bark was used as
source of fibre for twine
• exposed slopes, plains, ridges
Acacia mearnsii
Black Wattle
• medium to large tree with dark green feathery foliage, scented
pale yellow flowers in spring-summer
• very fast growing, prefers dry well drained soils, full sun, often
subject to borer attack
• food source for sugar gliders, caterpillars and birds
• Aborigines used wood for weapons and tools, gum as a food
source and adhesive, bark for its fibres and medicine
• exposed and sheltered slopes, ridges, plains
be careful not to mistake for the introduced Early Black
Wattle
• small to large tree with glossy green phyllodes, cream flowers
in winter-spring followed by clusters of twisted seed pods
• long-lived wattle, prefers deep moist soils, semi shade,
tolerates poor drainage
• food source for caterpillars and birds
• Aborigines used wood for tools and weapons, fibres from bark
used for fishing line and infused for rheumatic medicine
• timber prized for building and furniture
• watercourses, floodplains, sheltered slopes, plains
Acacia melanoxylon
Blackwood
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Acacia pycnantha
Golden Wattle
• small tree with large drooping phyllodes, masses of golden
flowers in winter-spring
• fast growing, prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• food source for caterpillars and birds
• Aborigines used gum as a food source and adhesive, bark used
for fibres and medicine
• sheltered and exposed slopes, ridges
Australia’s floral emblem
Allocasuarina littoralis
Black Sheoke
• small tree with fine, needle-like foliage, red and brown flowers
in autumn
• fast growing, prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• food source for birds
• Aborigines used wood for boomerangs and other tools
• plains, exposed slopes, ridges
• deeply furrowed bark
Allocasuarina verticillata
Drooping Sheoke
• small to medium tree with spreading crown, drooping greygreen needle-like foliage, bronze-golden flowers in autumnwinter
• fast growing, prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• food source for birds
• Aborigines used wood for boomerangs and other tools, young
shoots and cones used as a food source when thirsty
• plains, exposed slopes, ridges
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
River Red Gum
• tall spreading tree, smooth grey and white bark, cream flowers
in summer
• very fast growing, prefers deep moist soils, full sun, tolerates
poor drainage
• food source for caterpillars, koalas and birds, hollows in
mature trees are important shelter and nest sites for birds and
possums
• Aborigines used bark and wood for canoes, containers and
other tools, blossoms soaked as a sweet drink, gum and leaves
used as medicine
• timber prized for building and furniture making
• watercourses (not Plenty River), floodplains, plains
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Eucalyptus goniocalyx
Long-leaf Box
• medium size tree with grey box-type bark, long tapering adult
leaves and rounded juvenile leaves, creamy flowers in autumnwinter
• fast growing, prefers dry well drained soils, full sun, tolerates
poor soils
• food source for caterpillars and birds
• exposed and sheltered slopes, ridges
Eucalyptus leucoxylon
Yellow Gum (White
Ironbark)
• medium to large tree, smooth pale bark, abundant cream
flowers in autumn-winter
• fast growing, prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• food source for caterpillars and birds
• Aborigines used wood for weapons and tools
• prized by settlers for honey production, timber and oil from
leaves
• exposed slopes
important to plant local form
Eucalyptus macrorhyncha
Red Stringybark
• medium to large tree with grey/brown fibrous bark, cream
honey-scented flowers in summer-autumn
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• food source for butterflies, caterpillars and birds
• good honey tree
• exposed slopes, ridges
Eucalyptus melliodora
Yellow Box
• medium to large tree with blue-green foliage, box-type lower
bark becoming smooth on upper branches, cream honeyscented flowers in spring-summer
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• food source for butterflies, caterpillars, koalas and birds
• good honey tree
• sheltered and exposed slopes
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Eucalyptus ovata
Swamp Gum
• medium to large tree with glossy oval leaves, bark shed in
ribbons from branches, white flowers in autumn
• prefers moist soils, full sun, tolerates waterlogging
• food source for koalas, caterpillars and birds
• floodplains, wetlands, watercourses
Eucalyptus polyanthemos
Red Box
• small to medium tree with rounded blue-grey leaves, grey boxtype bark, cream flowers in spring
• slow growing, prefers dry well drained soils, full sun, tolerates
poor stony soils
• food source for caterpillars and birds
• good honey tree
• exposed slopes, ridges
Eucalyptus radiata
Narrow-leaf
Peppermint
• small to medium low branching tree with dense canopy and
strongly aromatic leaves, creamy white flowers in springsummer
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun or semi shade
• food source for caterpillars and birds
• leaves used to distil oil
• sheltered slopes
Eucalyptus rubida
Candlebark
• large tree with smooth white bark on upper trunk and
branches, white flowers in spring-summer
• prefers well dry well drained soils, full sun
• food source for koalas, caterpillars and birds
• good honey tree
• exposed and sheltered slopes
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Eucalyptus viminalis
Manna Gum
• large straight-trunked tree, bark shed in long ribbons, cream
flowers in summer-autumn
• fast growing, prefers deep moist well drained soils, full sun or
semi shade
• important koala food tree
• Aborigines and settlers ate sweet sap and sugary lerp cases,
wood used for shields and containers, leaves used for medicine
• good honey tree
• watercourses
TALL SHRUBS
3-5m high
Bursaria spinosa
Sweet Bursaria
• open shrub or small tree with small glossy leaves, usually
with spines along branches, masses of cream fragrant flowers
in summer followed by clusters of bronze seed pods
• slow growing, prefers dry well drained soils, full sun or semi
shade
• food plant for butterflies including Eltham Copper Butterfly
• Aborigines soaked flowers for nectar
• exposed and sheltered slopes, ridges, plains, watercourses
Callistemon sieberi
River Bottlebrush
• multi-stemmed shrub with long narrow leaves, cream or soft
pink flower spikes in summer-autumn
• fast growing, prefers moist poorly drained soils, semi shade,
tolerates water-logging
• food source for butterflies and birds
• watercourses
• pruning after flowering encourages more flowers and
maintains a compact shape
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Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Hymenanthera dentata
Tree Violet
• spreading shrub with narrow toothed leaves, spiny branches,
fragrant yellow bell flowers in spring followed by pale green
to purple berries
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• food source and shelter for birds
• watercourses, floodplains
Melaleuca ericifolia
Swamp Paperbark
• erect shrub or small tree with fine foliage, pale papery bark,
cream flower spikes in spring followed by clusters of woody
seed capsules
• fast growing, prefers moist or wet fertile soils, full sun or
semi shade
• food source for caterpillars, butterflies and birds
• Aborigines used young stems with attached roots for clubs,
leaves used for medicine, nectar used for sweet drinks, soft
bark for bandages and wrappings
• watercourses, floodplains, wetlands
• open shrub with spreading crown of soft narrow leaves,
clusters of tiny white daisy flowers in summer
• fast growing, prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• sheltered and exposed slopes, watercourses, plains
• prune in late winter to encourage compact shape
Ozothamnus ferrugineus
Tree Everlasting
Pomaderris aspera
Hazel Pomaderris
• slender shrub or small tree with broad dark green leaves,
creamy flowers in spring-summer
• fast growing, prefers moist well drained humus rich soils,
semi shade
• food source for caterpillars and birds
• Aborigines used wood to make pegs for stretching skins
• watercourses
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Prostanthera lasianthos
Victorian Christmasbush
• compact shrub with toothed mint leaves, showy purplespotted white flowers in summer
• fast growing, prefers moist loamy soils, semi shade
• food source for insect eating birds
• watercourses, sheltered slopes
Rapanea howittiana
Muttonwood
• tall shrub or small tree with leathery, glossy dark green
leaves, violet bead-like berries along trunk and stems in
spring-summer
• slow growing, prefers moist well drained soils, full shade or
semi shade
• food source for birds
• watercourses
good replacement for Sweet Pittosporum
MEDIUM SHRUBS
1-3m high
Acacia acinacea
Gold-dust Wattle
• open spreading shrub with small rounded phyllodes, masses
of yellow flowers along branches in spring-summer
• prefers dry well drained soils, semi shade, tolerates poor
soils, often self-seeding in garden
• food source for birds
• exposed slopes, ridges, plains
Acacia genistifolia
Spreading Wattle
• open shrub with narrow prickly phyllodes, perfumed cream
flowers in winter-spring
• fast growing, prefers dry or moist soils, full sun, often selfseeding in garden
• prickly foliage provides shelter for birds
• sheltered and exposed slopes
• very hardy plant tolerating a wide range of conditions
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Acacia paradoxa
Hedge Wattle
• spreading prickly shrub with angular phyllodes, masses of
bright yellow flowers in spring
• fast growing, prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• prickly foliage provides shelter for birds
• exposed slopes, ridges, plains
• very hardy
Acacia verticillata
Prickly Moses
• open shrub with fine prickly phyllodes, pale yellow flower
spikes in winter-spring
• fast growing, prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• prickly foliage provides nest sites for small birds, food
source for birds
• Aborigines used bark fibres for fishing lines
• sheltered slopes, watercourses, plains
Cassinia aculeata
Common Cassinia
• erect shrub with fine aromatic leaves, clusters of small
white flowers in summer
• fast growing, prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• sheltered slopes, watercourses
Cassinia arcuata
Drooping Cassinia
• erect shrub with fine spicy aromatic leaves, drooping
branchlets of pale brown flowers in summer
• fast growing, prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• useful cut flower
• exposed and sheltered slopes, ridges, plains
• leaves have a spicy aroma when crushed
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Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Cassinia longifolia
Shiny Cassinia
• erect shrub with fine aromatic glossy leaves (longer than
Common Cassinia), creamy clusters of flowers in summer
• fast growing, prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• useful cut flower
• exposed and sheltered slopes, ridges
• aromatic leaves
Coprosma quadrifida
Prickly Currant-bush
• erect shrub with small shiny leaves, inconspicuous flowers
followed by numerous edible red berries in summer
• prefers moist soils, semi shade, tolerates poor drainage
• fruit eaten by birds
• sheltered slopes, watercourses
Correa glabra
Rock Correa
• fairly dense shrub with glossy aromatic oval leaves,
greenish-yellow bell-shaped flowers in spring
• fast growing, prefers dry well drained soils, semi shade
• flowers attract nectar feeding birds
• watercourses, sheltered slopes, rocky outcrops
Daviesia leptophylla
• erect shrub with stiff narrow leaves, clusters of yellow and
Narrow-leaf Bitter-pea
red pea flowers in spring-summer followed by triangular
seed pods
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun or semi shade
• ridges, exposed and sheltered slopes
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Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Dodonaea viscosa ssp.
spatulata
Wedge-leaf Hop Bush
• spreading shrub with wedge-shaped leaves, inconspicuous
flowers in spring followed by showy red-brown seed pods
with papery wings
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
Goodenia ovata
Hop Goodenia
• spreading shrub with bright green ovate leaves, yellow
flowers in spring-summer
• fast growing and adaptable, prefers moist soils, semi shade,
tolerates poor drainage
• food source for caterpillars and insect eating birds
• sheltered slopes, watercourses
Gynatrix pulchella
Hemp Bush
• open woody shrub with soft heart-shaped leaves, fragrant
small greenish flowers in spring
• prefers moist soils, semi shade, tolerates poor drainage
• Aborigines used bark for string
• watercourses, floodplains
• prune to encourage a compact shape
Hakea decurrens
Bushy Needlewood
• erect shrub with stiff prickly needles, fragrant white flowers
in Winter-Spring and prominent woody seed pods
• prefers well drained soils, full sun or semi shade
• flowers attract birds and butterflies, prickly foliage provides
shelter for birds
• exposed and sheltered slopes, ridges, plains
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Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Indigofera australis
Austral Indigo
• delicate open shrub with grey-green pinnate leaves, showy
pink pea flowers in winter-spring
• fast growing, prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• food source for caterpillars
• Aborigines used roots to obtain a fish poison, flowers for
dye
• sheltered slopes, plains
Kunzea ericoides
Burgan
• dense shrub with very small leaves, tea-tree bark, masses of
white flowers in summer
• fast growing, prefers moist soils, full sun, tolerates poor
drainage
• provides shelter for Ringtail Possums and bird nests,
flowers attract butterflies, food plant for caterpillars
• Aborigines used wood for fishing tools
• sheltered slopes, plains, floodplains, watercourses
Leptospermum continentale
Prickly Tea-tree
• erect shrub with dark green prickly foliage, masses of white
flowers in spring, woody seed capsules
• prefers moist soils, full sun or semi shade, tolerates poor
drainage
• flowers attract butterflies and insect eating birds, provides
shelter for Ringtail Possums, food plant for caterpillars
• sheltered slopes, plains, watercourses, floodplains
• dense shrub with silky grey foliage, masses of white flowers
in spring, woody seed capsules
• fast growing, prefers moist soils, semi shade, tolerates poor
drainage, lime tolerant
• attracts insect eating birds, nectar attracts butterflies
• Aborigines used wood to make spears
• watercourses
Leptospermum lanigerum
Woolly Tea-tree
Indigenous Plants for your garden
21
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Myoporum viscosum
Sticky Boobialla
• open shrub with dark green leaves, sticky new growth,
clusters of small white flowers spring flecked with purple in
spring, small yellow edible berries
• fast growing, prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• fruits eaten by birds
• exposed slopes, watercourses
Olearia lirata
Snowy Daisy-bush
• open shrub with large, narrow, velvety leaves, masses of
white daisy flowers in spring
• fast growing, prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• attracts insect eating birds
• sheltered slopes, watercourses
Ozothamnus obcordatus
Grey Everlasting
• erect shrub with small rounded leaves, dense clusters of
yellow flowers in spring-summer
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• useful cut flower
• ridges, exposed slopes, plains
Pomaderris prunifolia
Plum-leaf Pomaderris
• open rounded shrub with dark green elliptic leaves, clusters
of small yellow flowers in spring
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• attracts insect eating birds
• sheltered slopes
Indigenous Plants for your garden
22
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Solanum laciniatum
Large Kangaroo Apple
• spreading shrub with large dissected leaves, flowers bluishpurple in spring-summer followed by orange-yellow eggshaped berries
• fast growing, prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• fruits eaten by birds
• berries edible when ripe (orange and soft) -poisonous when
unripe
• watercourses, floodplains, sheltered slopes
LOW SHRUBS
<1m high
Acrotriche serrulata
Honey Pots
• dense ground-covering shrub with small fine leaves, green,
tubular, honey-scented flowers in winter-spring
• slow growing, prefers dry well drained soils, semi shade
• nectar-rich flowers attract birds, fruits eaten by birds and
possibly lizards
• Aborigines ate flowers and fruits
• sheltered slopes, plains
Atriplex semibaccata
Berry (Creeping)
Saltbush
• dense ground-covering shrub with small, oval, grey-green
leaves, inconspicuous flowers followed by small reddish
berries in summer
• fast growing, prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• fruits eaten by birds
• watercourses, plains
Correa reflexa
Common Correa
• open shrub with ovate, dull green leaves, greenish bell
flowers in autumn-winter
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• flowers attract nectar feeding birds
• sheltered slopes, plains
important to plant local form
Indigenous Plants for your garden
23
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Dillwynia cinerascens
Grey Parrot-pea
• open shrub with narrow grey-green leaves, clusters of
yellow and red pea flowers in spring-summer
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• food source for birds and caterpillars
• ridges, exposed and sheltered slopes, plains
Einadia hastata
Saloop (Berry
Saltbush)
• trailing shrub with small spade-shaped leaves, inconspicuous
flowers followed by small red berries in spring-summer
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• food source for birds and caterpillars
• Aborigines ate fruits and leaves
• ridges, plains, watercourses
• will tolerate salt affected soils
Einadia nutans
Nodding Saltbush
• scrambling shrub with small arrow-shaped leaves,
inconspicuous flowers followed by numerous red or yellow
berries in summer-autumn
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• berries provide food for birds
• Aborigines ate fruits and leaves
• plains, watercourses, ridges, rocky outcrops
Epacris impressa
Common Heath
• small wiry shrub with prickly tapering leaves, masses of pink
or white tubular flowers in winter-spring
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• flowers attract nectar and insect feeding birds
• sheltered slopes, plains
Victoria’s floral emblem
Indigenous Plants for your garden
24
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Leucopogon virgatus
Common Beard-heath
• upright wiry shrub with small pointed leaves, fragrant spikes
of woolly white flowers in spring
• prefers well drained soils, semi shade
• sheltered slopes
Pimelea curviflora
Curved Rice-flower
• erect shrub with small silky leaves, small orange-yellow
flowers on ends of stems in spring
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• provides nectar for butterflies
• ridges, exposed and sheltered slopes, plains
important to plant local form
Pimelea humilis
Common Rice-flower
• erect shrub with elliptic grey-green leaves and suckering
stems, creamy white flowers in spring
• prefers dry well drained soils, semi shade
• provides nectar for butterflies
• ridges, exposed and sheltered slopes, plains
Platylobium obtusangulum
Common Flat-pea
• wiry spreading shrub with dark green triangular leaves,
yellow and red pea flowers in spring
• prefers dry well drained soils, semi shade
• sheltered and exposed slopes, ridges, plains
Indigenous Plants for your garden
25
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Pultenaea gunnii
Golden Bush-pea
• open shrub with small leaves, clusters of orange and yellow
pea flowers in spring
• prefers well drained soils, semi shade
• sheltered slopes, plains
Rubus parvifolius
Small-leaf Bramble
• shrub or ground cover with thorny scrambling branches and
small divided leaves, pink flowers in spring followed by red
edible berries similar to raspberries
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• berries are eaten by birds
• watercourses, sheltered slopes
Tetratheca ciliata
Pink Bells
• erect or spreading shrub with whorls of small oval leaves,
fragrant pink bell flowers in spring-summer
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• sheltered slopes, plains
Vittadinia muelleri
Narrow-leaf New
Holland Daisy
• small shrub to half a metre with woody stems and narrow
leaves, small dark blue daisy flowers on stalks most of the
year
• prefers dry well drained soils, semi shade
• plains
Indigenous Plants for your garden
26
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
SMALL HERBS AND GROUND COVERS
Adiantum aethiopicum
Common Maidenhair
• small fern, forming an expanding clump or open ground
cover, lacy foliage on wiry black stems, may die back in
summer re-emerging in autumn
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• aborigines used leaves for medicinal purposes
• watercourses, floodplains, plains, sheltered slopes
Bossiaea prostrata
Creeping Bossiaea
• prostrate spreading plant, masses of yellow and brown pea
flowers in spring
• prefers dry well drained soils, semi shade, tolerates winter
wetness
• food plant for seed eating birds
• watercourses, floodplains, plains, sheltered slopes
Brachyscome diversifolia
Tall Daisy
• small creeping clump with fine foliage, white daisy flowers
most of the year
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• provides nectar for butterflies
• exposed slopes, rocky outcrops
Brachyscome multifida
Cut-leaf Daisy
• low spreading mound with fine feathery foliage, white, pink
or purple daisy flowers most of the year
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• provides nectar for butterflies
• plains, sheltered and exposed slopes
Indigenous Plants for your garden
27
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Brunonia australis
Blue Pincushion
• small rosette of soft hairy leaves, clusters of blue flowers
form “pincushions” on long stems in summer
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• provides nectar for butterflies
• exposed slopes, plains, ridges
Chrysocephalum
semipapposum
Clustered Everlasting
• large spreading herb with upright stems of silvery foliage,
clustered gold flowers in spring-summer
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• food plant for caterpillars, butterflies attracted to nectar
• ridges, exposed slopes, plains, rocky outcrops
Craspedia glauca
Common Billy
Buttons
• tufting rosette of soft grey leaves, large golden button
flowers on erect stems in spring-summer
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• nectar attracts butterflies
• floodplains, wetlands, plains
Dichondra repens
Kidney Weed
• creeping mat plant with “kidney-shaped” green leaves,
inconspicuous cream flowers
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• plains, sheltered slopes, watercourses, wetlands, floodplains
• weed suppressing groundcover
excellent lawn substitute in low traffic areas
Indigenous Plants for your garden
28
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Geranium solanderi
Austral Cranesbill
• low trailing plant with deeply lobed leaves, small pale pink
flowers in spring-summer
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• Aborigines used roots as a food source
• watercourses, plains, sheltered slopes
Goodenia blackiana
Black’s Goodenia
• small creeping plant with erect leaves, attractive yellow
flowers in spring-summer
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• exposed slopes, plains
Helichrysum scorpioides
Button Everlasting
• spreading clump with soft greyish leaves, flat yellow button
flowers held on erect stems in spring
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• nectar attracts butterflies, food source for insect eating
birds and caterpillars
• ridges, exposed slopes, plains
• dies back after flowering
Leptorhynchos squamatus
Scaly Buttons
• open spreading clump with dark green leaves, bright yellow
button flowers on wiry stems in spring-summer
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• ridges, exposed slopes, plains
Indigenous Plants for your garden
29
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Leucochrysum albicans
Hoary Sunray
• small mounding ground cover with hairy grey leaves, showy
everlasting daisy flowers in spring-summer
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• nectar attracts butterflies
• attractive cut flower
• ridges, exposed slopes, rocky outcrops
Linum marginale
Native Flax
• small wiry shrub, bright blue flowers in spring followed by
papery round seed heads
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• Aborigines used stems for cord fibres and seeds for food
• wetlands, plains
Mentha australis
River Mint
• low spreading herb with soft aromatic foliage, white flowers
in spring-summer
• prefers moist poorly drained soils, semi shade
• attracts insect eating birds
• Aborigines used leaves for flavour and medicinal purposes
• watercourses, wetlands
Microseris aff. lanceolata
Yam Daisy
• rosette of long narrow leaves, bright yellow daisy flowers
on long stems in winter-spring, dormant in summer
regenerating in winter
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• nectar attracts butterflies
• Aborigines used tubers as a food source
• wetlands, plains
flower can be distinguished from a dandelion by
drooping buds prior to opening
Indigenous Plants for your garden
30
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Pelargonium australe
Austral Stork’s-bill
• sprawling plant with aromatic hairy foliage, red-striped
white or pink flowers in spring-summer
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• Aborigines used roots as a food source
• watercourses, plains, rocky outcrops
• may die back in Summer
Pultenaea pedunculata
Matted Bush-pea
• prostrate mat forming ground cover with dark green
foliage, masses of orange and red pea flowers in spring
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun or semi shade
• exposed slopes, ridges, plains
excellent ground cover useful for binding soils on steep
slopes,
important to plant local form
Ranunculus lappaceus
Australian Common)
Buttercup
• small herb with bright green divided leaves, shiny cupped
yellow flowers in spring
• prefers damp well drained soils, full sun
• watercourses, wetlands, sheltered slopes
substitute for introduced weed Creeping Buttercup
Stackhousia monogyna
Creamy Candles
• small spreading herb, erect stems terminate in spikes of
tubular cream flowers in spring-summer
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• nectar attracts butterflies
• flowers fragrant at night
• wetlands, plains, sheltered slopes
Indigenous Plants for your garden
31
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Stylidium graminifolium
Grass Trigger-plant
• small tussock of grass-like foliage, erect spikes carry
numerous pink flowers in spring-summer
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• provides food for insect eating birds
• sheltered slopes, plains
• known as trigger plant as the column (part of the flower) is
suddenly released when an insect lands on its base, hitting
the insect and leaving pollen on its back
Veronica gracilis
Slender Speedwell
• prostrate herb with suckering habit, pale blue cupped
flowers in spring
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• floodplains, watercourses, wetlands, sheltered slopes, plains
Viola hederacea
Ivy-leaf Violet
• colonising ground cover, white and purple flowers displayed
above foliage for most of the year
• prefers moist well drained soil, semi shade
• watercourses, plains, sheltered slopes
• useful weed suppressing ground cover
hardy substitute for introduced violets
Indigenous Plants for your garden
32
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Wahlenbergia communis
Tufted Bluebell
• perennial branching herb, loose clusters of blue bell flowers
on long stems in spring-summer
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• provides food for insect eating birds
• plains, sheltered and exposed slopes, ridges
Wahlenbergia gracilis
• multi stemmed annual with glossy foliage, bright blue bell
Sprawling (Australian
flowers on long stems in spring-summer
Bluebell)
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• provides food for insect eating birds
• watercourses, plains, sheltered slopes
Wahlenbergia stricta
Tall Bluebell
• erect branching herb, light blue bell flowers well displayed
in spring-summer
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• Aborigines used flowers as a food source
• plains, sheltered slopes
Indigenous Plants for your garden
33
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
LILIES
Arthropodium minus
Small Vanilla Lily
• delicate grass-like tussock, fragrant purple flowers on long
stems in summer, dormant in summer regenerating in
autumn
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• Aborigines used tubers as a food source
• ridges, exposed and sheltered slopes, plains, rocky outcrops
Arthropodium strictum
Chocolate Lily
• small tufting lily with soft long leaves, purple flowers with a
distinctive chocolate fragrance in spring
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• Aborigines used tubers as a food source
• exposed and sheltered slopes, plains
Bulbine bulbosa
Yellow Bulbine-lily
• small tussock with fleshy onion-like leaves, tall stems of
yellow star flowers in spring-summer, dormant after
flowering until autumn
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• Aborigines used tubers as a food source
• plains
Burchardia umbellata
Milkmaids
• inconspicuous grass-like leaves, showy honey-scented
clusters of white and red star flowers in spring-summer,
dormant in summer after flowering
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• Aborigines used tubers as a food source
• plains, ridges, exposed and sheltered slopes
Indigenous Plants for your garden
34
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Caesia calliantha
Blue Grass Lily
• small tussock of grass-like leaves, numerous deep blue star
flowers on erect stems in spring-summer, dormant after
flowering until mid-winter
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• Aborigines used tubers as a food source
• plains, sheltered and exposed slopes
Dianella longifolia
Pale Flax-lily
• tufted lily with long strap-like leaves, pale blue flowers in
spring-summer followed by blue-purple berries
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• food source for seed eating birds
• Aborigines used leaves for weaving and cord fibres
• plains, sheltered and exposed slopes
Dianella revoluta
Black-anther Flax-lily
• tufted spreading lily with long bluish-green leaves, pale blue
flowers in spring-summer followed by blue-purple berries
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• food plant for seed eating birds
• Aborigines used leaves for weaving and cord fibres and
berries as a food source
• plains, exposed and sheltered slopes, ridges
Thysanotus patersonii
Twining Fringe-lily
• light creeping and twining plant, inconspicuous until the
fringed violet-mauve flowers appear in spring, dormant after
flowering with new stems emerging in winter
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• Aborigines used tubers as a food source
• plains, watercourses, sheltered slopes
Indigenous Plants for your garden
35
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Tricoryne elatior
Yellow Rush-lily
• small tussock of rush-like leaves, yellow star flowers on
wiry branching stems in spring-summer
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• plains, ridges, exposed and sheltered slopes
Wurmbea dioica
Early Nancy
• inconspicuous tussock, upright stems of sweetly scented
white and brown flowers in spring-summer, dormant after
flowering until autumn
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• Aborigines used tubers as a food source
• plains, exposed and sheltered slopes, ridges
Indigenous Plants for your garden
36
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
GRASSES, RUSHES AND SEDGES
At this stage only a few of the Grasses, Rushes and Sedges are illustrated, but it is anticipated that drawings will
be included for future editions. In the meantime, see 'Flora of Melbourne' for illustrations of most of these
plants
Agrostis avenacea
Common Blown
Grass
• compact tussock, usually annual but perennial in favourable
conditions, delicate open flower heads in spring-summer
• prefers moist poorly drained soils, full sun
• food plant for grazing animals
• plains, wetlands, floodplains, watercourses
Austrodanthonia
caespitosa
Common Wallaby
Grass
•
•
•
•
Austrodanthonia linkii
Leafy Wallaby Grass
• dense tussock, spikes of pale green flower heads in springsummer
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• food plant for grazing animals
• ridges, exposed and sheltered slopes, plains
Austrodanthonia racemosa
Branched Wallaby
Grass
• small fine-leaved tussock, slender flower heads in springsummer
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• plains, floodplains, watercourses, exposed and sheltered slopes
useful plant for lawns
erect tussock, decorative fluffy flower heads in spring-summer
prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
food plant for seed eating birds, caterpillars and grazing animals
plains, floodplains, wetlands
Austrodanthonia setacea
• small-medium fine-leaved tussock, flowers dappled silver and
Bristly Wallaby Grass
purple in spring-summer
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• food plant for caterpillars and grazing animals
• plains, ridges, exposed and sheltered slopes
Austrostipa elegantissima
Feather Spear-grass
• open rhizomatous tussock, loose wispy flower heads in springsummer
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• food plant for seed eating birds and grazing animals
• rocky outcrops, ridges, exposed slopes, plains
Indigenous Plants for your garden
37
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Austrostipa rudis
Veined Spear-grass
•
•
•
•
medium tussock, tall flower heads in spring-summer
prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
food plant for grazing animals and seed eating birds
ridges, exposed slopes, plains
Austrostipa scabra
Rough Spear-grass
•
•
•
•
erect tussock, fine decorative flower heads in spring
prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
food plant for seed eating birds and grazing animals
ridges, exposed slopes, plains
Austrostipa semibarbata
Fibrous Spear-grass
•
•
•
•
medium tussock, tall flower heads in spring-summer
prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
food plant for grazing animals, seed eating birds and caterpillars
plains
Carex appressa
Tall Sedge
• large tussock with erect bright green leaves, slender flower
spikes in spring-summer
• prefers moist-wet soils, semi shade
• food plant for butterflies
• Aborigines used leaves for fibres
• watercourses, wetlands, floodplains
Carex fasicularis
Tassel Sedge
• tall robust tussock, bright green drooping flower heads on long
stems in spring-autumn
• prefers poorly drained permanently damp soils or shallow
water, semi shade
• food plant for caterpillars
• watercourses, wetlands
Carex tereticaulis
Common Sedge
•
•
•
•
•
Chloris truncata
Windmill (Umbrella)
Grass
• low tussock, many erect flowering stems with “windmill”
flower heads in spring-summer
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• plains, ridges, exposed slopes
flower stems similar to introduced Couch Grass but
Windmill Grass is not invasive
tall dense tussock, flower spikes in spring-autumn
prefers moist-wet soils, full sun
food plant for caterpillars
Aborigines used stems to make cord
watercourses, wetlands, plains
Indigenous Plants for your garden
38
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Deyeuxia quadriseta
Reed Bent-grass
• open tussock, slender erect flower spikes in spring-autumn
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• plains, exposed and sheltered slopes
Dichelachne crinita
Long-hair Plumegrass
• sparse fine-leaved tussock, decorative purple-tinged creamy
plumes in spring-summer
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• food plant for grazing animals
• plains, sheltered and exposed slopes
Eragrostis brownii
Common Love-grass
• decorative open grass clump, short dense flower spikes on
long stems in spring-autumn
• adaptable to most soils
• watercourses, plains, floodplains, exposed and sheltered slopes
useful lawn grass for low-traffic areas
Gahnia radula
Thatch Saw-sedge
• upright tufts spreading by underground rhizomes, plumes of
chestnut flowers ageing to black throughout the year
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• food plant for caterpillars
• leaves sometimes used for roof thatching by early European
settlers
• sheltered slopes, plains
useful for controlling erosion
Joycea pallida
Silvertop (Red
Anther) Wallaby
Grass
• erect tussock with fine leaves, tall flower spikelets with
distinctive red anthers in spring-summer
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• food plant for grazing animals
• ridges, exposed slopes, plains
Indigenous Plants for your garden
39
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Lepidosperma laterale
• medium-large tussock with attractive foliage, brown flowers on
Variable Sword-sedge
tall stems in spring-summer
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade, tolerates seasonal
wetness and dryness
• food plant for seed eating birds
• sheltered slopes, watercourses, plains, wetlands
Lomandra filiformis
Wattle Mat-rush
• small dense tussock with blue-green leaves, loose clusters of
globular yellow flowers on spikes in spring
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• food plant for butterflies and seed eating birds
• plains, sheltered and exposed slopes
Lomandra longifolia
Spiny-headed Mat-lily
• upright or arching clump with narrow strap-like leaves,
globular yellow flowers on spikes in spring
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• food plant for caterpillars and seed eating birds
• Aborigines ate flowers and lower portion of leaves
• watercourses, sheltered slopes, plains
Microlaena stipoides
Weeping Grass
• low spreading rhizomatous grass remaining green throughout
year, drooping flower heads in spring
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• food plant for seed eating birds, grazing animal and caterpillars
• plains, floodplains, watercourses, sheltered slopes
excellent lawn grass
Indigenous Plants for your garden
40
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Poa ensiformis
Sword Tussock-grass
• tall informal tussock, flower spikes on long stems in springsummer
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• watercourses, floodplains, sheltered slopes
useful for controlling erosion
Poa labillardieri
Common Tussockgrass
•
•
•
•
•
large tussock, loose plumes of flower heads in spring-summer
prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
food plant for caterpillars and seed eating birds
Aborigines used leaves for weaving and cord fibres
plains, watercourses, sheltered slopes, wetlands, floodplains
Poa morrisii
Velvet Tussock-grass
•
•
•
•
small grey-green tussock, loose flower spikes in spring-summer
prefers dry well drained soils, semi shade
food plant for seed eating birds and caterpillars
ridges, exposed slopes, plains
Poa sieberiana
Grey Tussock Grass
•
•
•
•
dense tussock, decorative flower heads on tall stems
very adaptable, prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
food plant for seed eating birds and caterpillars
plains, exposed and sheltered slopes, ridges
Themeda triandra
Kangaroo Grass
• small-medium tussock, unusual decorative flowers held above
foliage in summer
• prefers moist well drained soils, full sun
• food plant for grazing animals, seed eating birds and caterpillars
• Aborigines used seeds as a food source
• ridges, exposed and sheltered slopes, plains
Indigenous Plants for your garden
41
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
CREEPERS AND CLIMBERS
Billardiera scandens
Common Appleberry
• shrubby light to medium climber, green-yellow bell flowers
most of the year, edible fruit
• prefers dry well drained soils, semi shade
• birds attracted to nectar and fruits
• exposed and sheltered slopes, plains
Billardiera scandens var. brachyantha can be planted in
drier locations
Clematis aristata
Austral Clematis or
Old Man’s Beard
• vigorous climber with dark foliage, masses of white star
flowers in spring followed by fluffy seed heads
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• food plant for seed eating birds
• watercourses, sheltered slopes, plains
use as an ornamental plant instead of introduced
Clematis species
Clematis microphylla
Small-leaved Clematis
• light-medium climber, cream star flowers in spring followed
by fluffy seed heads
• prefers dry well drained soils, semi shade
• some birds use seeds to line nests
• Aborigines used roots for food and fibres
• ridges, exposed and sheltered slopes, plains, rocky outcrops
Comesperma volubile
Love Creeper
• light twining creeper, attractive blue-mauve flowers in
spring
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• plains, sheltered and exposed slopes
Indigenous Plants for your garden
42
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Convolvulus erubescens
Pink (Blushing)
Bindweed
• small trailing or lightly climbing plant, showy pink flowers in
spring-summer
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• Aborigines used roots as a source of food and medicine
• ridges, plains, exposed slopes
use as an ornamental plant instead of introduced
Convolvulus species
Glycine clandestina
Twining Glycine
• light decorative climber, mauve pea flowers in springsummer
• prefers moist well drained soils, semi shade
• food plant for caterpillars, ants collect seeds
• plains, sheltered slopes
Glycine tabacina
Vanilla (Variable)
Glycine
• light creeper, loose clusters of attractive blue-purple pea
flowers in spring-summer
• prefers dry well drained soils, semi shade
• food plant for caterpillars
• Aborigines used roots as a food source
• plains, exposed and sheltered slopes, watercourses
Indigenous Plants for your garden
43
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Hardenbergia violacea
Purple Coral-pea
• medium trailing or climbing plant with deep green leathery
foliage, showy purple pea flowers in spring
• prefers dry well drained soils, full sun
• possible food plant for moths
• Aborigines used flowers as a source of dye
• plains, ridges, exposed slopes
important to plant local form - avoid Hardenbergia x
“Happy Wanderer”
Hovea linearis
Common Hovea
• small trailing plant, pale mauve pea flowers in winter-spring
• prefers dry well drained soils, semi shade
• Aborigines may have eaten young seed pods
• exposed slopes, plains
attractive when planted amongst grasses and other
small plants
Kennedia prostrata
Running Postman
• small to medium trailing plant with blue-green “clover”
leaves, scarlet pea flowers in spring
• prefers dry well drained soils, semi shade
• food plant for caterpillars
• Aborigines used this plant as a source of food and fibres
• ridges, exposed slopes, plains
attractive ground cover
Indigenous Plants for your garden
44
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
AQUATIC AND SEMI-AQUATIC PLANTS
Alisma plantago-aquatica
Water Plantain
• broad-leaved semi-aquatic herb, pink flowers on tall
branching stems in summer
• requires moist-wet soils
• watercourses, wetlands
useful in bog gardens and shallow ponds
Bolboschoenus medianus
Marsh Club-sedge
• rhizomatous semi-aquatic plant with grass-like leaves, redbrown flowers in spring-autumn
• requires permanently wet soils
• rhizomes produce tubers used as a food source by
Aborigines
• watercourses, wetlands
useful bog plant tolerant of brackish water
Crassula helmsii
Swamp Stonecrop
• fast growing herb with succulent leaves, inconspicuous
flowers in summer-autumn
• prefers poorly drained permanently wet soils or shallow
water to 60cm, semi shade
• watercourses, wetlands
excellent ground cover and semi-aquatic edging plant in
bog gardens, ponds and water channels - can become
invasive
Eleocharis acuta
Common Spike-rush
• vigorous rhizomatous aquatic plant with erect leafless stems,
flower spikes produced in spring-autumn
• requires permanently wet soils in water 10-60cm deep, full
sun
• provides shelter for fish, frogs and waterbirds
• watercourses, wetlands
can become invasive in shallow water unless contained
Indigenous Plants for your garden
45
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Myriophyllum crispatum
Water Milfoil
• erect aquatic herb with leaves in whorls giving emergent
stems a feathery appearance, cream to red-brown flowers
followed by yellow fruits in spring-summer
• requires wet soils, vigorous in still or slow moving fresh
water to 1m deep
• oxygenates water and provides food and shelter for fish
• watercourses, wetlands
Neopaxia australasica
White Purslane
• semi-aquatic creeping plant with fleshy leaves, small clusters
of flowers in spring-summer
• requires moist-wet soils, full sun
• wetlands, watercourses
useful ground cover and water-edge plant in bog
gardens and ponds
Phragmites australis
Common Reed
• vigorous erect semi-aquatic grass, flower heads form large
white plumes in summer-autumn
• requires poorly drained wet soils
• provides habitat for frogs and waterbirds
• Aborigines used leaves for fibres
• watercourses, wetlands
attractive in large ponds and bogs - can become invasive
unless contained
Typha domingensis
Cumbungi
• large semi-aquatic plant with cane-like stems and strap leaves,
dense cylindrical flower heads throughout year
• requires permanently wet soils, vigorous in water up to 1m
deep
• provides habitat for frogs, fish and waterbirds in large ponds,
dams and water channels
• Aborigines used rhizomes as a food source and leaves and
stems for fibres
• watercourses, wetlands
can become invasive unless contained
Indigenous Plants for your garden
46
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Villarsia reniformis
Running Marsh
Flower
• broad-leaved semi-aquatic plant, bright yellow flowers on tall
stems in spring
• requires permanently moist soils or shallow water to 80cm
deep
• watercourses, wetlands
attractive plant for shallow ponds or bog gardens
Indigenous Plants for your garden
47
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
CROSS REFERENCE FOR EASY PLANT SELECTION
KEY
Drainage
D
- Dry, well drained soils
M
- Moist, well drained soil
S
- moist swampy soils which may
dry out in summer
W
- swampy or boggy soils
which remain wet all year
A
- aquatic areas
TREES
Species
Common name
Drainage
Wildlife
Flower
Colour
Aspect
Acacia dealbata
Silver Wattle
M
Pale Yellow
Full to part sun
Acacia implexa
Lightwood
D, M
Creamy Yellow
Full to part sun
Acacia mearnsii
Black Wattle
D, M
Pale Yellow
All aspects
Acacia melanoxylon
Blackwood
M
Pale Yellow
Full to part sun
Acacia pycnantha
Golden Wattle
D
Golden Yellow
Full to part sun
Allocasuarina littoralis
Black Sheoke
D
Small, rusty red
Full to part sun
Allocasuarina verticillata
Drooping Sheoke
D
River Red Gum
D, M, S
Small,
red/brown
White/Cream
Full sun
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Eucalyptus goniocalyx
Long-leaf Box
D
White/Cream
Full to part sun
Eucalyptus leucoxylon
Yellow Gum (White
Ironbark)
D, M
White/Cream
Full to part sun
Eucalyptus macrorhyncha
Red Stringybark
D
White/Cream
Full to part sun
Eucalyptus melliodora
Yellow Box
D, M
Provides food for tree dwelling
mammals, caterpillars, insect and
seed eating birds
Provides food for insect and seed
eating birds
Provides food for
caterpillars,insect and seed eating
birds
Provides food for caterpillars,
insect and seed eating birds
Provides food for caterpillars,
insect, nectar and seed eating
birds
Provides food for seed eating
birds
Provides food for seed eating
birds
Provides food and habitat for
koalas, caterpillars and seed
nectar and insect eating birds
Provides food for caterpillars,
seed, nectar and insect eating
birds
Provides food for caterpillars,
seed, nectar and insect eating
birds
Provides food for caterpillars,
seed, nectar and insect eating
birds
Provides food for koalas,
caterpillars, seed, nectar and
insect eating birds
White/Cream
Full to part sun
Indigenous Plants for your garden
Full sun
48
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Eucalyptus ovata
Swamp Gum
S
Eucalyptus polyanthemos
Red Box
D
Eucalyptus radiata
Narrow-leaf Peppermint
D, M
Eucalyptus rubida
Candlebark
D
Eucalyptus viminalis
Manna Gum
M
Provides food for koalas,
caterpillars, seed, nectar and
insect eating birds
Provides food for caterpillars,
seed, nectar and insect eating
birds
Provides food for seed, nectar
and insect eating birds
Provides food for seed, nectar
and insect eating birds
Provides food for seed, nectar
and insect eating birds
White/Cream
Full to part sun
White/Cream
Full to part sun
White/Cream
Full to part sun
White/Cream
Full to part sun
White/Cream
Full sun
TALL SHRUBS (3-5m high)
Species
Common name
Drainage
Wildlife
Flower
Colour
Aspect
Bursaria spinosa
Sweet Bursaria
D, M
White/Cream
Full to part sun
Callistemon sieberi
River Bottlebrush
M, S
Cream/Pink
Full to part sun
Hymenanthera dentata
Tree Violet
M
Cream
Full to part sun
Melaleuca ericifolia
Swamp Paperbark
M, S
Provides food for butterflies
including the Eltham Copper
Butterfly and insect eating birds
Provides nectar for butterflies,
food for nectar and seed eating
birds
Berries provide food for birds,
plant provides habitat for small
birds
Provides nectar for butterflies,
food for insect and nectar eating
birds
Cream
Full to part sun
Ozothamnus ferrugineus
Pomaderris aspera
Tree Everlasting
Hazel Pomaderris
M
M
White
Yellow/Green
Prostanthera lasianthos
Victorian Christmas-bush
M
Full to part sun
Part sun to
shady position
All aspects
Rapanea howittiana
Muttonwood
M
Provides food for caterpillars and
insect eating birds
Provides food for nectar eating
birds
Purple spotted
white
Pale Green
Part sun to
shady position
MEDIUM SHRUBS (1-3m high)
Species
Common name
Drainage
Wildlife
Flower
Colour
Aspect
Acacia acinacea
Gold-dust Wattle
D
Bright Yellow
Full to part sun
Acacia genistifolia
Spreading Wattle
D, M
Lemon/Cream
Full to part sun
Acacia paradoxa
Hedge Wattle
D
Golden Yellow
Full to part sun
Acacia verticillata
Prickly Moses
M, S
Provides food for insect and seed
eating birds
Provides food for seed eating
birds
Provides food for insect and seed
eating birds. Provides habitat for
small birds
Provides food for insect and seed
eating birds. Provides habitat for
small birds
Pale Yellow
Part sun
Indigenous Plants for your garden
49
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Cassinia aculeata
Cassinia arcuata
Cassinia longifolia
Common Cassinia
Drooping Cassinia
Shiny Cassinia
M
D
M
White
Pale Brown
White
Coprosma quadrifida
Prickly Currant-bush
M
Fruits are eaten by birds
Small, green
Correa glabra
Rock Correa
D
Provides food for nectar eating
birds
Pale Green
Part sun
Full to part sun
Part sun to
shady position
Part sun to
shady position
All aspects
Daviesia leptophylla
Dodonaea viscosa ssp.
spatulata
Goodenia ovata
Narrow-leaf Bitter-pea
Wedge-leaf Hop Bush
D
D, M
Yellow and Red
Inconspicuous
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Hop Goodenia
M, S
Yellow
All aspects
Gynatrix pulchella
Hakea decurrens (formerly
H. sericea)
Indigofera australis
Kunzea ericoides
Hemp Bush
Bushy Needlewood
M
M, S
Greenish White
White/Pink
Part sun
Full to part sun
Austral Indigo
Burgan
D, M
D, M
Mauve
White
All aspects
Full to part sun
Leptospermum continentale
Prickly Tea-tree
M, S
White
Full to part sun
Leptospermum lanigerum
Woolly Tea-tree
S
White
Full to part sun
Myoporum viscosum
Olearia lirata
Sticky Boobialla
Snowy Daisy-bush
D
M
White
White
Ozothamnus obcordatus
Grey Everlasting
D
Pomaderris prunifolia
Plum-leaf Pomaderris
M
Solanum laciniatum
Large Kangaroo Apple
Provides food for insect eating
birds
Provides food for butterflies and
for nectar eating birds
Provides food for caterpillars
Provides food for butterflies and
insect eating birds
Provides food for butterflies and
insect eating birds
Provides food for butterflies and
insect eating birds
Fruits are eaten by birds
Provides food for insect eating
birds
Pale Yellow
D, M
Provides food for caterpillars and
insect eating birds
Fruits are eaten by birds
Full sun
Part sun to
shady position
Part sun to
shady position
All aspects
Purple
All aspects
Yellow
LOW SHRUBS (<1m high)
Species
Common name
Drainage
Wildlife
Flower
Colour
Aspect
Acrotriche serrulata
Honey Pots
D, M
Provides food for nectar eating
birds
Greenish
Atriplex semibaccata
Correa reflexa
Creeping Saltbush
Common Correa
D
D, M
Part sun to
shady position
Full to part sun
All aspects
Dillwynia cinerascens
Grey Parrot-pea
D
Einadia hastata
Saloop (Berry Saltbush)
D
Einadia nutans
Epacris impressa
Nodding Saltbush
Common Heath
D
D, M
Leucopogon virgatus
Pimelea curviflora
Pimelea humilis
Common Beard-heath
Curved Rice-flower
Common Rice-flower
D
D, M
M
Provides food for nectar eating
birds
Provides food for caterpillars and
insect eating birds
Provides food for caterpillars and
birds
Berries provide food for birds
Provides food for nectar eating
birds
Provides nectar for butterflies
Provides nectar for butterflies
Indigenous Plants for your garden
Inconspicuous
Light Green
Yellow and
Orange
Cream
Part sun
Greenish
White, Pink or
Red
White
Yellow/Green
Cream/White
Full to part sun
Part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
50
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Platylobium obtusangulum
Pultenaea gunnii
Rubus parvifolius
Common Flat-pea
Golden Bush-pea
Small-leaf Bramble
D
D, M
D, M
Tetratheca ciliata
Pink Bells
D
Pink
Vittadinia muelleri
Narrow-leaf New
Holland Daisy
D
Dark Blue
Berries are eaten by birds
Yellow/Red
Orange and Red
Pink
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Part sun to
shady position
Part sun to
shady position
Full to part sun
SMALL HERBS AND GROUND COVERS
Species
Common name
Drainage
Adiantum aethiopicum
Bossiaea prostrata
Common Maidenhair
Creeping Bossiaea
M
D, M
Brachyscome diversifolia
Brachyscome multifida
Tall Daisy
Cut-leaf Daisy
D
D, M
Brunonia australis
Chrysocephalum
semipapposum
Craspedia glauca
Dichondra repens
Blue Pincushion
Clustered Everlasting
D, M
D, M
Common Billy Buttons
Kidney Weed
M, S
M
Yellow
Tiny, Greenish
Geranium solanderi
Goodenia blackiana
Helichrysum scorpioides
Austral Cranesbill
Black’s Goodenia
Button Everlasting
M, S
D, M
D, M
Pink
Yellow
Yellow
Full to part sun
Part sun to
shady position
Part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Leptorhynchos squamatus
Leucochrysum albicans
Linum marginale
Mentha australis
Microseris aff. lanceolata
Pelargonium australe
Pultenaea pedunculata
Ranunculus lappaceus
M
D
M
S, W
D, M
D
D, M
M, S
Yellow
Yellow
Blue
White/Mauve
Yellow
Pink or White
Yellow and Red
Golden
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
All aspects
Part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Stackhousia monogyna
Scaly Buttons
Hoary Sunray
Native Flax
River Mint
Yam Daisy
Austral Stork’s-bill
Matted Bush-pea
Australian (Common)
Buttercup
Creamy Candles
M
Provides nectar for butterflies
Cream
Stylidium graminifolium
Grass Trigger-plant
M
Provides food for insect eating
birds
Pink
Part sun to
shady position
Full to part sun
Veronica gracilis
Slender Speedwell
M
Mauve
Viola hederacea
Ivy-leaf Violet
S, W
Wahlenbergia communis
Tufted Bluebell
M
White with
Purple centres
Blue
Wahlenbergia gracilis
Sprawling (Australian
Bluebell)
Tall Bluebell
M
Wahlenbergia stricta
D
Wildlife
Provides food for seed eating
birds
Provides nectar for butterflies
Provides nectar for butterflies
Provides nectar for butterflies
Provides nectar for butterflies
and food for insect eating birds
Provides food for butterflies and
insect eating birds
Provides nectar for butterflies
Provides food for insect eating
birds
Provides food for insect eating
birds
Provides food for insect eating
Indigenous Plants for your garden
Flower
Colour
Yellow and
Brown
White
Lilac, Mauve,
Pink or White
Blue
Yellow
Aspect
Part sun
All aspects
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Part sun to
shady position
All aspects
All aspects
Blue
Full to part sun
Blue
Full to part sun
51
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
birds
LILIES
Species
Common name
Drainage
Arthropodium minus
Arthropodium strictum
Bulbine bulbosa
Burchardia umbellata
Small Vanilla Lily
Chocolate Lily
Yellow Bulbine-lily
Milkmaids
D, M
D
M
M
Caesia calliantha
Dianella longifolia
Dianella revoluta
Thysanotus patersonii
Tricoryne elatior
Wurmbea dioica
Blue Grass Lily
Pale Flax-lily
Black-anther Flax-lily
Twining Fringe-lily
Yellow Rush-lily
Early Nancy
M, S
M
D
D, M
D, M
M
Wildlife
Flower
Colour
Aspect
Purple
Purple
Yellow
White/Light
Pink
Blue
Blue
Blue
Mauve
Yellow
White
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
GRASSES, RUSHES AND SEDGES
Species
Common name
Drainage
Wildlife
Flower
Colour
Aspect
Agrostis avenacea
Austrodanthonia caespitosa
Common Blown Grass
Common Wallaby Grass
S
M
Grey/Green
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Austrodanthonia linkii
Austrodanthonia racemosa
Leafy Wallaby Grass
Branched Wallaby Grass
M, S
D, M
Austrodanthonia setacea
Bristly Wallaby Grass
D, M
Austrostipa elegantissima
(formerly Stipa
elegantissima)
Austrostipa rudis (formerly
Stipa rudis)
Austrostipa scabra (formerly
Stipa scabra)
Austrostipa semibarbata
(formerly Stipa semibarbata)
Carex appressa
Feather Spear-grass
D
Provides food for grazing animals
Provides food for grazing animals,
seed eating birds and caterpillars
Provides food for grazing animals
Provides food for grazing animals,
seed eating birds and caterpillars
Provides food for grazing animals,
seed eating birds and caterpillars
Provides food for grazing animals
and seed eating birds
Veined Spear-grass
S
Rough Spear-grass
D, M
Fibrous Spear-grass
D, M
Tall Sedge
S, W
Carex fasicularis
Tassel Sedge
S, W
Carex tereticaulis
Chloris truncata
Common Sedge
Windmill (Umbrella)
Grass
Reed Bent-grass
Long-hair Plume-grass
Common Love-grass
Thatch Saw-sedge
S, W
D
Deyeuxia quadriseta
Dichelachne crinita
Eragrostis brownii
Gahnia radula
D, M
D
D, M
D, M, S
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Provides food for grazing animals
and seed eating birds
Provides food for grazing animals
and seed eating birds
Provides food for grazing animals
and seed eating birds
Part sun to
shady position
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Brownish/Dull
Yellow
Brownish/Dull
Yellow
Brown
Purplish
Provides food for grazing animals
Indigenous Plants for your garden
Olive Green
Chestnut
Full sun
Part sun
Full to part sun
Full sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
52
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Joycea pallida (formerly
Chionocloa pallida)
Silvertop (Red Anther)
Wallaby Grass
D, M
Provides food for grazing animals
Lepidosperma laterale
Lomandra filiformis
Lomandra longifolia
Microlaena stipoides
Poa ensiformis
Variable Sword-sedge
Wattle Mat-rush
Spiny-headed Mat-lily
Weeping Grass
Sword Tussock-grass
M, S
M
D, M
M
M
S
S
S
Provides food for grazing animals
Provides food for seed eating
birds and caterpillars
Poa labillardieri
Common Tussock-grass
M
Poa morrisii
Velvet Tussock-grass
M
Poa sieberiana
Grey Tussock Grass
M
Themeda triandra
Kangaroo Grass
D, M
Provides food for seed eating
birds and caterpillars S
Provides food for seed eating
birds caterpillars
Provides food for seed eating
birds and caterpillars
Provides food for seed eating
birds and for caterpillars
Brown
Straw coloured
with Red
anthers
Brown
Yellowish
Yellowish
Green
Green with
purple base,
Bleached when
mature
Green/Purple
Full to part sun
Part sun
Full to part sun
All aspects
Full to part sun
Part sun to
shady position
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Glossy Brown
Full to part sun
Flower
Colour
Aspect
All aspects
Full to part sun
Part sun
Full sun
Part sun to
shady position
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Part sun to
shady position
Full to part sun
CREEPERS AND CLIMBERS
Species
Common name
Drainage
Wildlife
Billardiera scandens
Common Appleberry
D, M
Clematis aristata
D, M
Clematis microphylla
Comesperma volubile
Convolvulus erubescens
Glycine clandestina
Austral Clematis or Old
Man’s Beard
Small-leaved Clematis
Love Creeper
Pink (Blushing) Bindweed
Twining Glycine
Greenish
Yellow
Creamy White
D, M
D, M
D
M
Cream
Blue
Pink
Bluish /Mauve
Glycine tabacina
Hardenbergia violacea
Hovea linearis
Vanilla (Variable) Glycine
Purple Coral-pea
Common Hovea
D
D
D, M
Blue/Purple
Purple
Mauve
Kennedia prostrata
Running Postman
D
Scarlet
All aspects
AQUATIC AND SEMI-AQUATIC PLANTS
Species
Common name
Drainage
Wildlife
Flower
Colour
Aspect
Alisma plantago-aquatica
Water Plantain
W, A
Pale Pink
Full to part sun
Bolboschoenus medianus
Crassula helmsii
Eleocharis acuta
Marsh Club-sedge
Swamp Stonecrop
Common Spike-rush
S, W,A
M
W, A
Provides food for animals and
birds
Provides shelter for waterbirds
White
Dark Brown
Full to part sun
Full sun
Full sun
Myriophyllum crispatum
Water Milfoil
W, A
Cream to
Full to part sun
Provides protection for
waterbirds and fish
Provides food, shelter and
Indigenous Plants for your garden
53
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
breeding sites for fish.
Oxygenates water
Neopaxia australasica
Phragmites australis
White Purslane
Common Reed
S, W A
W, A
Typha domingensis
Villarsia reniformis
Cumbungi
Running Marsh Flower
A
A
Indigenous Plants for your garden
reddish Brown
White
White to
Purplish
Brown
Yellow
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
Full to part sun
All aspects
54
Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
ENVIRONMENTAL WEEDS
Environmental weeds are plants that invade bushland and natural areas. They often are plants which have
escaped from gardens or agricultural areas, or have been dumped in the bush by thoughtless people. Some
have fruit or seeds that are spread by birds or wildlife. They create huge problems in natural areas, displacing
indigenous species, decreasing natural biodiversity and simplifying ecosystems.
Environmental weeds can be seemingly harmless, common garden plants, some of which are available in
nurseries and garden centres. They can be native or exotic species, but become a problem when they establish
out of their natural range
The following is a list of common ornamental garden plants, which are serious environmental
weeds in Banyule. Please don’t plant these species – if you already have them in your garden, consider
replacing them with one of the similar non invasive indigenous plants that are suggested as substitutes.
Environmental Weed
Suggested replacement
Common Name
Botanical Name
Common Name
Botanical Name
African Box-thorn
Agapanthus
Blue Periwinkle
Bluebell Creeper
Lycium ferocissimum
Agapanthus praecox
Vinca major
Sollya heterophylla
Hedge Wattle
Pale Flax-lily
Purple Coral-pea
Common Appleberry
Acacia paradoxa
Dianella longifolia
Hardenbergia violacea
Billardiera scandens
Boneseed
Chrysanthemoides
monilifera
Melaleuca armillaris
Myrsiphyllum asparagoides
Genista monspessulana
Snowy Daisy-bush
Olearia lirata
Swamp Paperbark
Common Appleberry
Gold-dust Wattle
Melaleuca ericifolia
Billardiera scandens
Acacia acinacea
Delairea odorata
Paraserianthes lophantha
Acacia elata
Prunus cerasifera
Acacia baileyana
Cotoneaster spp
Ranunculus repens
Fraxinus rotundifolia ssp.
rotundifolia
Kennedia rubicunda
Acacia decurrens
Cytisus scoparius
Hedera helix
Genista linifolia
Acacia saligna
Ulex europaeus
Old Man's Beard
Lightwood
Silver Wattle
Wedge-leaf Hop Bush
Black Wattle
Prickly Currant-bush
Australia Buttercup
Blackwood
Clematis aristata
Acacia implexa
Acacia dealbata
Dodonea viscosa
Acacia mearnsii
Coprosma quadrifida
Ranunculus lappaceus
Acacia melanoxylon
Running Postman
Black Wattle
Spreading Wattle
Old Man's Beard
Wedge-leaf Hop Bush
Golden Wattle
Hedge Wattle
Kennedia prostrata
Acacia mearnsii
Acacia genistifolia
Clematis aristata
Dodonea viscosa
Acacia pycnantha
Acacia paradoxa
Bracelet Honey-Myrtle
Bridal Creeper / Smilax
Cape Broom
Cape Ivy
Cape Wattle
Cedar Wattle
Cherry Plum
Cootamundra Wattle
Cotoneaster
Creeping Buttercup
Desert Ash
Dusky Coral-pea
Early Black Wattle
English Broom
English Ivy
Flax-leafed Broom
Golden Wreath Wattle
Gorse
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Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Hawthorn
Japanese Honeysuckle
Lombardy Poplar
Madiera Winter Cherry
Mirror Bush
Monterey Pine
Morning Glory
Pampas Grass
Pampas Lily-of-the-valley
Privet
Sallow Wattle
Spanish Heath
Sweet Pittosporum
Tree Lucerne
Wandering Creeper
Watsonia
White Arum Lily
White Poplar
Willow Hakea
Crataegus monogyna
Lonicera japonica
Populus nigra 'Italica'
Solanum pseudocapsicum
Coprosma repens
Pinus radiata
Ipomoea indica
Cortaderia selloana
Salpichroa organifolia
Ligustrum sp
Acacia longifolia
Erica lusitanica
Pittosporum undulatum
Cytisus palmensis
Tradescantia albiflora
Watsonia meriana
‘Bulbillifera’
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Populus alba
Hakea salicifolia
Tree Violet
Small-leafed Clematis
Blackwood
Large Kangaroo Apple
Prickly Currant-bush
Black Sheoke
Purple Coral-pea
Thatch Saw-sedge
Kidney Weed
Prickly Currant Bush
Spreading Wattle
Common Heath
Muttonwood
Gold-dust Wattle
Kidney Weed
Pale Flax-lily
Hymenanthera dentata
Clematis microphylla
Acacia melanoxylon
Solanum laciniatum
Coprosma quadrifida
Allocasuarina littoralis
Hardenbergia violacea
Gahnia radula
Dichondra repens
Coprosma quadrifida
Acacia genistifolia
Epacris impressa
Rapanea howittiana
Acacia acinacea
Dichondra repens
Dianella longifolia
Tall Sedge
Blackwood
Bushy Needlewood
Carex appressa
Acacia melanoxylon
Hakea decurrens
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Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
COMMUNITY GROUPS IN BANYULE
To become involved in activities occurring in parks and reserves, contact your local friend's
group.
Concerned Residents of Victoria
Cross Estate
Valerie Badalassie
16 Dunstan Street
MACLEOD 3085
9458 1343
Darebin Parklands Association
Inc
Eve Recht
Secretary
PO Box 3
IVANHOE 3079
9497 1332 (BH)
Darebin Parklands Committee of
Management Inc
Peter Wiltshire
Ranger in Charge
PO Box 5093
ALPHINGTON 3078
9499 3486 (BH)
0417 113 458 (M)
Eaglemont Neighbourhood
Conservation Association Inc
Mr Romauld Andrew - President
PO Box 2195 EAST IVANHOE 3079
0419 328 971
Friends of Darebin Creek
Sue Pierce
7 Wynstay Crescent
IVANHOE 3079
9389 1259
Friends of Diamond Creek
Sue Dyet
7 Leonard Crescent
ELTHAM 3095
9439 1175 (AH)
9467 5657 (BH)
Friends of Eltham Copper
Butterfly
Anna Richtarik
Secretary
PO Box 999
ELTHAM 3095
9411 5158
Friends of Nellie Ibbott Park
Sue Pierce
7 Wynstay Crescent
IVANHOE 3079
9389 1259
Friends of Plenty River
Alice and Kevin Ley
1 Havelock Court
LOWER PLENTY 3093
9435 3840
Friends of St Helena Bush Reserve
Lawrie Rigg
11 Dunbarton Drive
ELTHAM NORTH 3095
018 782 336
9434 6685 (AH)
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Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
Friends of Timber Ridge Reserve
Colleen Vanderhorst
112 Warralong Avenue
GREENSBOROUGH 3088
9434 3269
Friends of Wilson Reserve
Robert Bender
Convenor
9 Bailey Grove
IVANHOE 3079
9606 2283 (BH)
9499 2413 (AH)
Montmorency Field Naturalist
Group
Anne Lawrance
21 Andrew Street
ELTHAM 3095
9439 8630
Plenty River Forum
Anne Lawrance
21 Andrew Street
ELTHAM 3095
9439 8630
Riverland Conservation Society of
Heidelberg Inc
Mr Rick Nash
Secretary
PO Box 246
IVANHOE 3079
9459 0576
Friends of Yandell Reserve
Graham Patterson
36 Heather Grove
BRIAR HILL 3088
9459 0222 (BH)
9432 0163 (AH)
Friends of Yarra Valley Park
Janet Jiricek - President
PO Box 568 TEMPLESTOWE 3106
9470 3555 (BH)
9431 0291 (AH)
Macleod Progress Association Inc
Mrs Andrea Bow - Secretary
74 Strathallan Road
MACLEOD 3085
9457 2003 (AH)
Rosanna Parklands Protection
Association
Pam McIntyre
4 Bachli Crescent
ROSANNA 3084
9459 3865
Warringal Conservation Society Inc.
Mrs Beryl Jarman
PO Box 64 ROSANNA 3084
www.possumpages.com.au/warringal
9277 5719 (AH)
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Indigenous Plants For Your Garden
REFERENCES
Flora of Melbourne - A Guide to the Indigenous Plants of the Greater Melbourne Area,
Society for Growing Australian Plants Maroondah, Inc.
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