Scientific Name: Cassinia aculeata subsp. aculeata
Common Name: common dollybush
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Asteraceae
Form Description: Much-branched shrub.
Height (m): 1 – 4
Flowers: Florets 6-12, flower heads numerous in terminal clusters. Usually whitish but sometimes pale brown or pink especially in the bud stage.
Fruit: Achene – downy, pappus bristles very slender.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Widespread and abundant often rapidly colonizing cleared land.
Site Tolerance
Dry, Moist, Rocky, Shady
Soil Tolerance
Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
General Notes
Useful for providing quick low-level shelter (up to 3m) in mixed species windbreaks while slow growing species are established. Bird attracting. May provide food for some parrot species. Resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi. Flowers may cause dermatitis in humans.
Propagation Calendar
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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 Information
Seed Collection
Each seed head contains many small seeds each with white fluffy attachment. Collect seed heads when they turn dry and papery. Seed handling involves breaking up seed heads and sieving. Has short after-ripening period.
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
Cover seeds with a fine layer of sand. Seedlings are very small. Most species have good results from seed.
Germination Time
2-3 weeks
Cutting & Division Information
Take cuttings about 15cm long in summer.