Common Name: Silver Banksia

General Information

Banksia marginata is a very variable evergreen shrub or tree. Typically a shrub around 2 metres tall with a similar spread, it can sometimes become a tree up to 12 metres tall, and also occurs as a scrambling, prostrate plant. It sometimes produces suckers[, ].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of wood. It is often grown as an ornamental, especially in Australian gardens

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - Southern Australia, New South Wales, southern Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania.

Habitat

Sandy and clay loams, shale, peaty loam, rocky soil (quartzite, sandstone, limestone and granite). In shrubland, woodland and forest, sometimes in swamps and coastal dunes to the mountains[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	9.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Banksia marginata occurs mainly in the temperate zone of southeast Australia. It is not very cold-hardy, possibly tolerating temperatures down to around -5°c, or perhaps lower if high altitude forms are selected[, ].
Requires a well-drained lime-free soil and a sunny position[, ]. Thrives in acid sandy loams[, ]. Prefers a pH between 6.3 and 6.5[]. Plants are tolerant of damp soils and sea winds[]. If this species is to be successfully cultivated, the soil should be low in nutrients, especially in nitrates and phosphates[].
Fire-sensitive and fire resistant forms are known. The former rely solely on seed for regeneration while the latter can regenerate from both seed and from vegetative growth from a lignotuber[].
This species hybridizes in the wild with Banksia integrifolia and Banksia conferta penicillata[].
A good bee plant[, ].

Edible Uses

The flowers are filled with a sweet nectar which can be sucked directly or washed out with water to make a refreshing beverage[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The bark contains 10% tannin.

This species has been used as a rootstock for propagating other members of the genus.

This wood is not of much utilitarian importance. It is remarkably porous, soft, spongy, and light. When full of sap and newly cut, it is not unlike uncooked beef in the centre, and towards the surface of a reddish-white colour, hence it has the appearance of well-grown beef, with a quantity of fat on the outside. In the process of drying it twists and warps to a great extent, but when thoroughly seasoned it admits of a fine polish, and has a very pleasing appearance. It is used for cabinet purposes and indoor ornamental work[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in an ericaceous compost as soon as the seed is ripe or as soon as it is obtained and do not exclude light. Seal the pot in a plastic bag until germination takes place, which can take 1 - 3 months or more at 20°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in sand in a frame[].