Banksia serrata

Common Name: Saw Banksia / Old Man Banksia

Height: 2-10 metres

Spread: 3 metres

Habit: Shrub to small tree.

Family: Proteaceae

Origin/Habitat: Mostly found in near coastal open forests on poor sandy soils.

Foliage: Leaves thick, shiny dark green above, paler beneath. 8-15cm ´ 2-4cm with regular saw like teeth.

Flowers: Dec-March. Spikes to 20cm ´ 10cm.

Other features for identification: Bark has a rough appearance.

Soil preferences: Fertilise at plant out with 15gm of 18:2.6:10 N.P.K slow release.

Cultural tolerances: Will grow from subtropic to highlands temperature zones. Requires full sun. Very resistant to salt winds; resistant to saline soils and drought; moderately resistant to frost. Wind tolerance – can be placed in the front line of a windbreak.

Maintenance requirements: Low. Add a 9 month fertiliser in spring.

Uses: Ornamental ,  Bird Attracting & Coastal

Other: Medium fire risk. Moderate post fire regeneration.