Scientific Name: Hakea teretifolia subsp. hirsuta

Common Name: dagger needlebush

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Proteaceae

Form Description: Erect, much-branched shrub.

Height (m): 1 – 4

Flowers: Spider-like, creamy white, clustered in leaf axils.

Fruit: Seed follicle – woody, elongated, dagger-shaped opening to free 2 winged seeds with crests.

Municipality
Break O’DayClarenceDevonportDorsetFlindersGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayHobartSorellTasman
Plant Communities
Coastal VegetationHeath
Habitat Notes

Widespread and frequent especially in coastal heaths.

Site Tolerance

Dry, Exposed, Rocky, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Loam, Sandy, Well-drained

General Notes

Bird attracting. Foliage provides protection for small birds and flowers provide nectar. Resistant to wildlife browsing due to its unpalatability and spiny foliage.

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

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Remove when ripe. Extract in paper bag or trays. Collect only the older fruit (usually grey-brown) as immature seed will not ripen off the plant. Dry for 2-3 weeks to open follicle. If not place in an oven at 80-100°C for 30 mins with the door partially open.

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 Treatment Notes

Germinates readily with fresh seed.

Germination Time

3-6 weeks