Looks like: Banksias range from low-growing shrubs to trees. Even without flowers, is an attractive, fast growing, bushy shrub growing from 4 – 7 m high. This variable, adaptable and beautiful banksia will grow slowly to eventually attain tree size, and suits many different positions from coastal gardens where it will handle salt laden winds with ease, to inland cooler areas where it is frost and drought tolerant. The leathery leaves have attractive dark green colouring with silver reverses. The large lemon yellow flowers are produced from autumn through winter to spring, are nectar rich and attract wildlife, and are followed by the iconic fruit. Older specimens often have interesting gnarly forms and bark. The spent flower spikes form woody seed bearing cones with the fruit remaining closed for an indefinite period. These seed cones are an interesting feature of the genus.

Habitat & Propagation:
It naturally occurs on the east coast of Australia, from Victoria up to Queensland. Banksias are phosphorus sensitive, so a good native fertiliser is best when it comes to feeding time.It is most useful as a garden feature or screen plant.
Propagation is most successful from seed rather than cuttings. Once established it may be lightly pruned to retain its bushy dense habitat. In cultivation this species has proven to be fairly adaptable, very hardy and tolerant of frosts. Being an Eastern Australian Banksia it remains relatively resistant to the root rotting fungus Phytopthora cinnamomi. Damage by insect predators such as stem borers or psyllids occurs occasionally, but the plant generally remains pest free. Iron deficiency however, is common in this species when planted in soils of high pH or when grown near concrete building foundations. Hence for reliable results the species requires acid soils or alternatively the application of iron chelate to assist in correcting the soil PH. Fertilisers with a high phosphorus component should be avoided. Although it may successfully grow in wet areas, it prefers well drained soils and will grow in full sun or semi-shade conditions. Seeds should be sown in a very freely draining seed-raising mix which should not be allowed to dry out. As Banksia seedlings are prone to fungal attack, it is better to sterilise the seed-raising mix before planting. If this is not practical, very clean ingredients should be used. Seedlings should be transplanted into small pots as soon as the first true leaves appear. A potting mix made from equal parts of river sand, loam and leaf mould (or peat moss) is generally suitable.

Family	Proteaceae
Plant Type	Small tree, Large tree, Large shrub
Width	6
Flowering Time	Spring, Autumn, Winter
Soil Type	Sandy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Saline, Poor soil
Climate Zone	Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean
Growth Habit	Evergreen
Soil Moisture	Dry, Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage
Special Uses	Cut flower, Decorative fruit, Erosion control, Honey producing plant
Height	15
Flower Colour	Yellow
pH Level	Acid, Neutral
Plant Environment	Low maintenance garden, Flower garden, Coastal garden, Drought resistant
Light	Sunny, Light shade
Frost Tolerance	Tolerates light frost
Attracts Wildlife	Bees, Nectar eating birds, Seed eating birds, Butterflies, Other insects, Mammals

Distribution:

Traditional uses:  This banksia has many uses by Aboriginal people. The flower is soaked in water to make a sweet energy boosting drink. It can also be pulled apart to make a paint brush for ceremony and rock art. The dried flower was also used as a container to carry embers from one camp site to another so that the camp fire could be easily lit again. The branches are curved and make good boomerangs.