After much argument and discussion in our office, we have come up with the best Australian Native Trees for Landscape use. Because we couldn’t keep it to just two or three, we have divided it for you into Australian Natives above 15 meters and Australian Natives below 15 meters. Our country is home to an incredibly rich tapestry of diverse landscapes, however, for this blog we have focused on trees that grow well in Queensland landscape uses. These trees not only contribute to the ecological balance of their surroundings but also offer unique aesthetics to enhance any landscape design. So, without further ado below are some of our favourite Australian Natives.
Large Australian Native Trees (15 metres or above):
- Melaleuca quinquenervia (Paperbark Tree): With its peeling bark, fragrant leaves and soft white bottlebrush flowers this finds its place in our firm’s collective heart for its natural charm and ecological contributions. With a natural hardiness for both wet and dry conditions, it is a go-to choice for both wetland and more naturalistic designs
- Alloxylon flammeum (Tree Waratah): This tree has spectacular displays of crimson flowers which form in the shape of the iconic Waratah and represent the vibrant beauty of Australia’s tropical rainforests. Its captivating blooms and medium size (approx. 15 metres in cultivation) make it a preferred choice for focal points throughout both private gardens and commercial landscapes.
- Corymbia citriodora (Lemon-scented Gum): A classic gum this eucalypt is prized for its aromatic leaves and oil-producing properties which has a variety of commercial uses. It creates a distinctive fragrance and visual interest within more open landscape designs but is also a good food source for our native Australian bees.
- Eucalyptus racemosa (Scribbly Gum): A eucalypt found primarily within the SEQ region and down along the NSW coast, it thrives best in poor soils of pure sand or on sandstone outcrops. Its distinctive ‘Scribbly’ patterns are not from any form of natural growth but are instead made from the larvae of the Scribbly Gum moth that burrows through its smooth silvery bark. This tree makes a beautiful feature in open native gardens but is best planted for its benefit as a food source and habitat for a wide variety of native fauna, including koalas.
Small Australian Native Trees (under 15 metres):
- Grevillea Baileyana (Brown Silky Oak): A medium-sized tree (approx. 10 metres) with large, glossy foliage and a rust-tinged undersurface. It displays profusions of honey-scented flowers that are attractive to a variety of pollinators. Its unique leaves and floral displays make it an elegant feature tree choice for both residential and commercial landscapes.
- Melicope rubra (Little Evodia): This joins our firm’s favourites due to its compact size, silvery grey bark, and profusions of clustering bright pink flowers with subsequential fruits which provide food sources for a variety of native fauna. Its versatility to a wide range of climates, its compact size and its ornamental features make it an attractive choice for a variety of both small outdoor spaces and commercial landscape options.
- Elaeocarpus reticulatus (Blueberry Ash): This is a delightful addition to the smaller landscapes as it has a more upright form and compact size. It produces clusters of feathery white to pink blushing bell-shaped flowers which produce a faint perfume, and then form into blue berries which are attractive to seed-eating birds. Its hardy nature and fast growth ability make it a great tree option for those who want quick coverage in landscapes with limited space.
- Atractocarpus fitzalanii or Randia fitzalanii (Native Gardenia): A compact rainforest tree with glossy green leaves and small, fragrant white flowers, adds elegance to subtropical and tropical landscapes in our firm’s designs. Its restrained size and glossy foliage make it a refined choice for smaller gardens.
Our favourite Australian native trees reflect a shared passion for biodiverse and sustainable designs. In incorporating these trees into our designs, we strive to create outdoor spaces that not only captivate the eye but also contribute to the ecological biodiversity of our surroundings. If you would love some help in choosing trees for your landscape, contact us today for guidance and design ideas for including Australian native trees within your project.
For more detailed information or to look for other varieties of native Australian plants search on:
Gardening with Angus
https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/
Australian Native Plant Society (Australia)
https://anpsa.org.au/