Search a wide range of plants for the Canberra region

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

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.

Native, Locally Occurring – EVERGREEN

0.5-1m high x 0.5 wide

Uses: Ornamental, borders, native gardens

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: Clumping & spreading perennial with long, narrow leaves and small blue flowers, followed by blue berries. Adapts to a range of conditions; full sun to part shade.

Native – EVERGREEN

1-1.5m high x 1-1.5m wide

Uses: Ornamental, native gardens, hedge, fragrant garden

Ecological function: Attracts pollinators

Description: Compact shrub with glossy green leaves, pink-tinged in new growth, and white, star-shaped flowers with a sweet fragrance. Prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, drought tolerant. Fragrant foliage.

Exotic – EVERGREEN

1-1.5m high x 1-1.5m wide

Uses: Hedging, topiary, ornamental

Ecological function: Provides shelter for birds

Description: Dense, bushy shrub with small, glossy, light green leaves. Can be clipped into formal shapes. Prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil; tolerates heavy pruning.

Native, locally occurring – EVERGREEN

2.5m high x 2m wide

Uses: Ornamental, hedge, soil improvement (nitrogen fixing)

Ecological function: Provides habitat for insects and birds

Description: Compact shrub with box-like leaves and yellow ball-shaped flowers in spring. Tolerates dry conditions and full sun.