94B-1-Cassinia-longifolia-hab-Marilyn-Gray.jpg

Cassinia longifolia

Long-leaf or Shiny Cassinia

Erect open shrub with sticky, hairy branchlets.

Additional information

  • FamilyAsteraceae
  • StoreyMiddle storey
  • Size2-4 m x 2-3 m
  • Plant groupingShrubs 1.5-10 m
  • LeavesLong, narrow, aromatic shiny green leaves, white hairy below, sticky, especially when young, 15-95 mm x 2-5 mm. Leaves have prominent midrib.
  • Flower colourWhite
  • Flowering timeNovember to March
  • FlowersDense terminal umbrella-like clusters to 20 cm across of small daisy flowerheads.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist, often rocky, well drained soils in open forests. Pioneer plant. Partial to full shade.
  • Garden usePruning essential to maintain bushiness. Quick growing plant for disturbed areas. Will adapt to most conditions.
  • Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
  • Related speciesC. longifolia is distinguished readily from Cassinia aculeata as the leaves are generally a uniform size, flatter and somewhat sticky. C. aculeata has leaves of variable size, is rough or bristly on top and margins are rolled under. Cassinia trinerva is similar to C. longifolia but leaves have 3 prominent veins. It grows in mountain ash forests. Ozothamnus ferrugineus is often confused with C. longifolia but branchlets are not sticky and flowers are surrounded by yellowish bracts.
Photographer/s: 1, 3 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 David Blair ©

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