Banksia Ericifolia (Heath Leaved Banksia)

Banksia ericifolia (Heath-leaved Banksia) is one of the most beautiful banksias in Australia, with its large striking spikes of yellow to reddish-orange flowers contrasted with small, linear, light-green to greyish-green leaves. Not only is it the most colourful of the eastern Banksia species, it is also one of the best plants for attracting honey-eating birds and makes an interesting addition to any native garden, according to the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

B. ericifolia, even without flowers, is an attractive, fast growing, bushy shrub growing from 4 - 7 m high. It is useful as a garden feature or screen plant. The spent flower spikes form woody seed bearing cones with the fruit remaining closed for an indefinite period. These seed cones are an interesting feature of the genus and May Gibbs, writer of children's literature, captured these in her stories of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie in order to portray a "uniquely Australian image".

In cultivation this species has proven to be fairly adaptable, very hardy and tolerant of frosts. Although it may successfully grow in wet areas, it prefers well drained soils and will grow in full sun or semi-shade conditions.