Search a wide range of plants for the Canberra region

Exotic

0.5-1m high x 0.3-0.5m wide

Uses: Ornamental

Ecological function: Attracts pollinators

Description: Bulbous plant with strap-like leaves and fragrant pink, trumpet-shaped flowers on tall stems. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.

Exotic – DECIDUOUS

4-6m high x 4-6m wide

Uses: Ornamental, specimen tree, spring display, fruits for jam

Ecological function: Attracts pollinators and provides food for birds

Description: Small tree with a rounded habit and double pink to white flowers followed by small, inedible fruits. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerant of a range of conditions.

Cultivars Available: ‘Plena’

Native, Locally Occurring – EVERGREEN

10m high x 4m wide

Uses: Ornamental, windbreak

Ecological function: Provides habitat and food for birds and insects

Ngunnawal use: Trunks of young trees make good spears and resin is used as medicine & glue. Due to the resin in the wood, the branches were used as torches for fishing at night.

Description: Tall, conical tree with dark, furrowed bark and dense, blue-green foliage. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought-tolerant, very hardy. Tolerates poor soils.

Native, Locally Occurring – EVERGREEN

10-15m high x 4-6m wide

Uses: Windbreak, erosion control, ornamental

Ecological function: Produces food for black cockatoos, Habitat for birds, supports insect biodiversity

Description: Slender, needle-like foliage with rough, blackish bark. Tolerates dry conditions, with occasional extra watering beneficial during extended dry periods in Canberra.

Native, Locally Occurring – EVERGREEN

16m high x 6m wide

Uses: Timber, soil improvement, ornamental

Ecological function: Nitrogen-fixer; habitat for wildlife

Ngunnawal Use: The gum of this wattle is edible and can be mixed with ash to make cement to seal containers. For a continuous supply of sap, the bark was notched in autumn. The bark was used to make course string and infused in hot water and drunk as a remedy for indigestion.

Description: Fast-growing tree with dark green, feathery leaves and cream-colored flower balls. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought-tolerant. LARGE BLOCKS ONLY.

Native, Locally Occurring – EVERGREEN

15-25m high x 10m wide

Uses: Large Gardens, Moist soils, Shade tree, Privacy screen, Stabilises soil.

Ecological function: Provides habitat for birds and insects. Flowers provide food for pollinators.

Ngunnawal uses: Seeds eaten. Leaves used as soap & mixed with water makes fish poison. The bark is processed and used for rheumatism & string. Timber used for clapsticks, spear throwers & shields.

Description: Tall, dense foliage, dark bark, creamy-white flowers.