Banksia oblongifolia

(previously B. aspenifolia)

Family: Proteaceae

Banksia oblongifolia is common in dry heaths and rocky areas around Sydney. In heath it is a low spreading shrub about 0.5m; in woodland it grows to about 2m.

The elliptical leaves are stiff and leathery, 5-10cm long, varying from smooth edged to toothed. The plant is easily distinguished from other banksias by a covering of rusty hairs on the young shoots and leaves. This remains on the mid-vein on the silvery underside of older leaves.

The spikes of Banksia oblongifolia are pale greenish-yellow, up to 10cm long and 6-7cm wide. The styles are straight and 3cm long.

Banksia oblongifolia flowers from March to July.