Contact Us
Sustainable Home Advice
Email: SustainableHomeAdviceProgram@act.gov.au
Phone: 1300 141 777 (weekdays 9 am to 5 pm excluding public holidays)
Exotic – EVERGREEN
3m high x 2m wide
Uses: Hedge, screen, ornamental
Ecological function: Berries edible for wildlife
Description: Dense shrub with glossy, oval leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers, followed by pink or red berries. Prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil; tolerates urban pollution.
Cultivars Available: ‘Aureo-marginatus’, ‘Microphyllus’
Native, Origin NSW – EVERGREEN
4m high x 3m wide
Uses: Ornamental, native gardens, bird-attracting
Ecological function: Provides nectar for birds and insects
Description: Tall shrub with long, narrow leaves and red to pink, toothbrush-like flowers. Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position, drought tolerant. Relatively short-lived (5-10 years). Threatened species.
Exotic
0.3-0.5m high x 0.1-0.2m wide
Uses: Ornamental, borders, cut flowers
Ecological function: Attracts pollinators; fragrant flowers
Description: Bulbous plant with clusters of small, fragrant, yellow flowers and narrow, dark green leaves. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Native, Locally Occurring – EVERGREEN
1-2m high x 0.5-1m wide
Uses: Aquatic planting, erosion control, ornamental
Ecological function: Provides habitat for waterbirds and aquatic wildlife
Ngunnawal use: Used in the production of fine, soft baskets.
Description: Tall, upright rush with cylindrical, green stems. Thrives in wet conditions and is suitable for pond edges and water features.
Native, Locally Occurring – EVERGREEN
1-3m high x 1-2m wide
Uses: Ornamental, habitat restoration, screen
Ecological function: Provides food and habitat for wildlife
Ngunnawal use: The yellow fruits of this plant are edible when ripe and are best when they are about to drop from the plant.
Description: Shrub with narrow leaves, purple flowers, and yellow to orange berries. Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil; fast-growing.
Native, Locally Occurring – EVERGREEN
0.3-1m high x 0.2-0.5m wide
Uses: Native landscaping, erosion control, ornamental
Ecological function: Provides habitat and food for wildlife
Ngunnawal use: Stems and leaves used to make string for fishing nets & small baskets. When seeds are plentiful, can be crushed to make flour for bread.
Description: Tussock-forming grass with narrow leaves and distinctive red-brown flower spikes. Prefers full sun and tolerates a range of soil types; drought resistant.
Some cultivars available: ‘Mingo’, ‘Tango’