121B-2-Hakea-decurrens-ssp.-physocarpa-fl-Cathy-Powers.jpg

Hakea decurrens ssp. physocarpa

Bushy Needlewood

Open to dense erect prickly shrub with fine silky hairs, especially on young branchlets.

Additional information

  • SynonymSeparated from Hakea sericea
  • FamilyProteaceae
  • StoreyMiddle storey
  • Size0.8-4 m x 1-3 m
  • Plant groupingShrubs 1.5-10 m
  • LeavesLeaves stiff and needle-like, grooved below and widely spreading from stem, 1-5-8 cm x 0.7-1.6 mm, longer close to flowers.
  • Flower colourWhite or occasionally pink
  • Flowering timeMay to September
  • FlowersCluster of 3-6 hairy, fragrant flowers in leaf axils. Fruit - prominent, rough with a double-pointed beak, 1-2.5 cm wide.
  • Bird attractingGeneral - food and habitat
  • Butterfly attractingNectar for butterflies
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist to dry clay soils in open forests of foothills. Frost tolerant. Full sun to semi shade.
  • Garden useHabitat plant providing protection to birds. Prickly nature can control traffic movement. Flowers displayed well. Tough plant for most positions.
  • Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
Photographer/s: 1 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Cathy Powers ©; 3 Peter Kinchington ©

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  • 22 Silver-leaf Stringybark Heathy Woodland (EVC 48)
  • 20 Messmate Lowland Forest (EVC 16)
  • 19 Long-leaf Box Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 16 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest Central Highlands/UpperYarra (EVC 45)
  • 18 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 45)
  • 08 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest – Dandenongs (EVC 29)
  • 21 Broad-leaf Peppermint Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
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