Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Proteaceae

Genus:

Banksia

Species:

Banksia ericifolia

USDA Symbol:

BAER

Growth Characteristics

Height:

600 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

orange, red, yellow

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, bees, honeyeaters, nectar-feeding mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Requires fire for germination

Fire Notes:

Exhibits serotinous cones that release seeds after fire exposure. Plant typically killed by fire but regenerates from seed, with germination triggered by heat and smoke.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Prefers coastal heathland and sandstone soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment. Germination enhanced by smoke water or heat treatment simulating bushfire conditions.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI