Scientific Name: Banksia marginata

Common Name: silver banksia

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Proteaceae

Form Description: Variable shrub to small tree.

Height (m): 1 – 8

Flowers: Inflorescence cylindrical spikes, 10cm long, of soft yellow flowers.

Fruit: Seed follicles clustered in woody cones

Municipality
Break O’DayBrightonBurnieCentral CoastCentral HighlandsCircular HeadClarenceDerwent ValleyDevonportDorsetFlindersGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayGlenorchyHobartHuon ValleyKentishKing IslandKingboroughLatrobeLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsSorellSouthern MidlandsTasmanWaratah-WynyardWest CoastWest Tamar
Plant Communities
Coastal VegetationDry Eucalypt ForestHeathWet Eucalypt Forest
Habitat Notes

This widespread species occurs as a shrub in heath, coastal scrub, dry sclerophyll forest, grassy forest and sub-alpine forest. As a tree it is relatively common on sheltered coastal sand dunes and in the grassy woodlands of the Midlands.

Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Rocky, Waterlogged, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Clay, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Sandy, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Very useful for providing medium-level cover (up to 8m) in windbreaks. May be used as a sheltering species in timber belts. Bird attracting. Bee attracting. Resistant to wildlife browsing due to its unpalatability. Susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi. High flammability. Koori (mainland) use: flower cones were soaked in water in wooden vessels to extract the sweet nectar to make drinks. The dry cones were used as strainers.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed, Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Seed is ripe when follicle is dark brown and woody (not soft and green/light tan when scratched). Seed is thin, with papery wing. One or two seeds, separated by a woody divider, in each follicle. Seeds will generally release from cone (tweezers may be necessary) once removed from tree and placed in warm room. Or use oven 80-100°C for 30 mins, with door partially open. Seed short-lived once extracted.

Seed Treatment Method

Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.

Seed Storage Life

Short

Seed Treatment Notes

Use fresh seed. Germinates quicker in cooler months, or stratify. Place the seed in moist paper or sand and refrigerate for 6-10 weeks. Partially inhibited by light so cover seed/sow deeply or place in darkness till germinated. Seedlings susceptible to fungus, so ensure good ventilation and sterile pots, mix etc. Smoke treatment may be beneficial.

Germination Time

4-8 weeks

Cutting & Division Information

Use cuttings of firm, young growth.