Banksia serrata

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Plant
ID 83 Banksia serrata
Botanic Name Banksia serrata
Common Name Saw Banksia, Old Man Banksia, Red Honeysuckle
Family Name Proteaceae
Cultivars 'Pygmy Possum'
Origin Australia, NSW, QLD, VIC 1788, Zone 9-11
Growth Type Tree
Bark Type Corky
Foliage Type Evergreen Water Use Low
No. of Species 75
Growth Habit Narrow domed Growth Rate Medium
Height 8 - 15 m (27 - 50 ft) Spread 8 m (27 ft)
Plant Overview
This strong, gnarled small tree has a thick furrowed grey brown bark and angular branching that forms a bushy habit. It has scattered serrated light green leaves and the large yellow-green flowers heads appear from late summer to autumn.
Leaf
Type Simple Additional Information
Shape Lanceolate
The thick leathery lanceolate leaves have very sharply serrated margins that are slightly undulating. The new growth is whitish and tomentose turning dark green with pale green undersides.
Arrangement Whorled
Margin Serrate
Colour Light green
Size 70 - 160 mm ( 2.8 - 6.3 in )
Flower
Perfume Faint Additional Information
Shape Tubulate
The dense terminal cylindrical spike is up to 150 mm (6 in) long and composed of small sessile tubulate flowers that are yellow grey and have a long curved pistil. They appear from summer to autumn and spent flowers are persistent on the tree.
Inflorescence Spike
Colour Creamy white
Size 100 - 200 mm ( 3.9 - 7.9 in )
Flowering in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Fruit
Type Follicle Additional Information
Colour Brown
The follicles are obovate up to 35 mm (1 1/2 in) long. The seed is up to 15 mm (2/3 in) long with a shallow pitted appearance and a curved winged. Old fruit are persistent on the tree for many years and is often used as a decoration.
Edible Yes
Bird Attractive Yes
Size 33 - 34 mm ( 1.3 - 1.3 in )
Fruiting in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Environment & Cultivation
Natural Soil Well drained sandy-stony soil,will tolerate wet clay soil, adaptable pH 5.5-7.0
Container Not normally, may be used for bonsai
Climate Warm to sub-tropical
Aspect Full sun to light shade, drought, salt and frost tolerant, fire resistant
Pest & Diseases Web-covering borer, banksia borer, doubleheaded hawk moth, leaf spots
Fertiliser Slow release native fertiliser when young, mulch during summer and keep moist
Pruning Only as needed, tolerates light to hard pruning after flowering to encourage a bushy habit
Cultural Uses Propagation
The Saw Banksia is a long-lived tree is grown for its flowers and gnarled appearance. It is used as a specimen or feature tree in coastal gardens, attracting bird and is planted on dunes or on sandstone outcrops. It establishes in 2 to 4 years.
Sow fresh seeds in a well-drained media and the kept moist but not wet. Maintain a temperature of 18 to 21 C. (64 to 75 F) in an unheated glasshouse or open frame. Germination occurs within 3 weeks to 3 months.
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