Cassinia aculeata

(Family: Fabaceae)

Cassinia aculeata is a fast growing, upright shrub to 4m high and 2 m wide. It has narrow, dark green leaves that roll under at the edges, much like a rosemary bush. In summer it is covered in large bunches of cream coloured flowers to 10cm across. The buds can be flushed with pink prior to opening. Its common name is Dogwood, but obviously using this name will cause confusion in all but an indigenous plant nursery.

Cassinia aculeata grows in many forest types from the coast to the ranges. It is found growing naturally from Kingston in SA, along the southern part of Victoria, and up the eastern side of NSW to the north of Sydney. It is also part of Eucalypt, Sheoak and Callitris forests in Tasmania. As a coloniser of disturbed ground, it can by weedy in other areas, so it is definitely best to grow the local form in your local area, or not at all. To find out if Cassinia aculeata is indigenous to your local area, ask at a nursery or find out from the council.

Photograph by Helen Moss: Plants of Melbourne's Outer East CD-Rom

Click here to return to the list.

The information contained on this page is Copyright © SGA and intended for personal use only.
You may not use the information for any other purpose without the express written permission of SGA.