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Image Credit: Anna Povey – with permission
Scientific Name: Olearia lirata
Common Name: forest daisybush
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Asteraceae
Form Description: Small to large open shrub.
Height (m): 2 – 5
Flowers: Numerous white daisies with 12-15 ray florets.
Fruit: Achene with pappus bristles 4mm long.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Widespread and frequent on the margins of wet eucalypt forest and in wet gullies.
Site Tolerance
Moist, Shady
Soil Tolerance
Clay, Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Well-drained
General Notes
An excellent shrub for native gardens. Bird attracting. Resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi.
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
When seed is mature the achenes loosen in the centre of the seed heads which appear fluffy. Collect seed heads into paper bags and allow to dry. Rub and sieve.
Seed Treatment Method
Smoke Smoke treatment improves germination in some species. Smokey products, e.g. smokey vermiculite, can be purchased and applied to the sown seed, or sown seeds can be treated directly with smoke from a source such as a drum with a fire and hose.
Seed Storage Life
Short
Seed Treatment Notes
For best results fresh seed should be used. Surface sow or lightly cover. Has been used with some success for direct seeding. Olearia could be susceptible to mealy bug. Smoke may improve germination.
Germination Time
3-5 weeks
Cutting & Division Information
Can be grown from cuttings.