Search a wide range of plants for the Canberra region

Native, Locally Occurring – EVERGREEN

0.5-1.5m high x 0.5-1m wide

Uses: Ornamental, erosion control, mass planting

Ecological function: Provides habitat and food for wildlife

Ngunnawal use: The white leaf base can be chewed to obtain a sweet, starchy morsel. Leaves are used to weave baskets, mats, string and fish traps. Roots are used to treat bites and stings. Seeds are ground into flour or mixed with honey and considered high protein muscle food.

Description: Robust, clumping grass-like plant with long, green leaves and cream to yellow flower spikes. Adaptable to a variety of conditions; drought and frost tolerant.

Cultivars Available: ‘Tanika’

Native, Not Locally Occurring – EVERGREEN

1.5-2.5m high x 1-2m wide

Uses: Ornamental, habitat garden, drought tolerant planting

Ecological function: Attracts birds and bees

Description: Shrub with spotted, tubular flowers in various colours and grey-green foliage. Prefers full sun and tolerates dry, poor soils.

Cultivars Available: ‘Valentine’, ‘Aurea’, ‘Pink Panther’

Native, Origin VIC – EVERGREEN

0.3-0.5m high x 1-2m wide

Uses: Ground cover, rockeries, native gardens

Ecological function: Attracts bees and small birds

Description: Spreading ground cover with oval, green leaves and pink to red tubular flowers. Prefers well-drained soil and part shade; frost tolerant.

Native, Locally Occurring – EVERGREEN

0.5m high x 2.5m wide

Uses: Ornamental, native gardens, erosion control

Ecological function: Provides habitat and food for birds; attracts pollinators

Ngunnawal use: The berries are edible once ripened to blue with varying levels of sweetness. The leaves can be woven for baskets.

Description: Hardy clumping tufted & spreading plant with blue-green foliage, blue and yellow flowers, and blue berries. Full sun to part shade; drought and frost tolerant.

Cultivars Available: ‘Little Rev’, ‘Baby Bliss’

Native, locally occurring – EVERGREEN

1-3m high x 1-2m wide

Uses: Ornamental, soil stabilisation, erosion control

Ecological function: Habitat for insects and birds

Description: Slender, upright growth with fine, needle-like foliage and yellow flowers. Well-suited to Canberra’s environment, drought tolerant.

Exotic – EVERGREEN

Climbing or ground cover, up to 6-9m long

Uses: Climber, ground cover, scented gardens

Ecological function: Attracts pollinators; provides dense cover

Description: Vigorous vine with glossy green leaves and highly fragrant, white star-shaped flowers. Prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.