Banksia is a genus of almost 200 trees and shrubs, the vast majority found only in Australia. Most are too small to be covered here but some species can grow into trees. Like most Australian trees, many show a high degree of drought and heat tolerance. However, many species reportedly prefer well-drained soils which may prove a problem in many parts of the Sacramento valley. Other authors write that some species, particularly those from Western Australia, are sensitive to Phytophthora infection, which tends to be a problem in wet soil. Cold hardiness is probably a concern for many species, but a few have been grown in places like Oregon or England and should be fully hardy in Sacramento.
Banksia flowers and seed pods have a very strange, almost alien appearance. Their flowers produce large quantities of nectar and are very important for pollinators in Australia. Because of their rarity in our region, I am unsure how valuable they are to North American pollinators.
B. integrifolia, the coastal banksia has proven fairly successful in coastal California, but is largely absent from the Sacramento region. Most other species are rare in California but there are certainly others that show promise. This genus is experimental but worthy of trial here.
Banksia flowers and seed pods have a very strange, almost alien appearance. Their flowers produce large quantities of nectar and are very important for pollinators in Australia. Because of their rarity in our region, I am unsure how valuable they are to North American pollinators.
B. integrifolia, the coastal banksia has proven fairly successful in coastal California, but is largely absent from the Sacramento region. Most other species are rare in California but there are certainly others that show promise. This genus is experimental but worthy of trial here.