List of Australian native trees
Large native trees
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Gum tree (Eucalyptus mannifera)
The Aussie gum tree is considered to be the biggest representation of native plants. It houses koalas, has a huge range of beautiful blossoms and defines the Australian native landscape. When planting in your backyard, it is best to choose a dwarf or smaller variety, as these trees can get monstrous in size.
In terms of positioning, gum trees like full sun and prefer well-draining soil so the ground is not overly moist. They grow best in temperate climates and have very strong root systems, so keep them away from structures and underground pipes!
Illawarra flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolius)
Illawarra flame tree offer a beautiful burst of colour when blooming, and will create a stunning focal point in your garden. When planting an Illawarra flame, it is best to position them in full sun or half shade. The two main varieties of Illawarra flame tree are 'Queensland lacebark'and 'Kurrajong' which are both quite easy to grow in temperate climates.
The only downside to having this tree in your backyard is the occurrence of theKurrajong Bag Moth which lays it's eggs on the tree and eventually grows into caterpillars that eat the leaves and destroy foliage.
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Wattle tree (Acacia pycnantha)
Wattle is the perfect tree to show off your Aussie biodiversity as well as add rich, warm tones to your garden. While it does only flower yellow blossoms in the springtime, these trees are the floral emblem of Australia and would certainly be a beautiful addition to your yard.
Unfortunately, wattle trees do not have a long life span and tend to last from 7-12 years. Wattle trees thrive best in tropical climates and are very low-maintenance once fully established.Plant in full sun or partial shade for best growth.
Black She Oak (Allocasuarina littoralis)
This tree is not for a small garden, or the faint-hearted! Reaching up to 15m in height, the she oak is a beautiful Australian tree that has 'pine needles' and red spring-blooming flowers. It is best to avoid sandy soil when planting a she oak, as it could encourage pests.
Medium native trees
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Grevillea tree (Grevillea glossadenia)
For interesting foliage that will bring all the birds to your yard, grevillea is a must-have Australian native tree. While it does not grow too big in size, there are a variety of species that range in size, shape, colour and foliage type. It is recommended to pick a grevillea type with a single stem as they tend to mature faster and only grow 3-8m in height. Again, they love full sun and well-draining soil, and will be most healthy when pruned regularly.
Bottlebrush (Callistemon)
Another beautifully colourful option is bottlebrush, which can have a variety of reds, oranges, pinks and whites. Often best growing in damp conditions out in the Aussie landscape, however they can tolerate dry conditions, frost and limited maintenance. Plant in full sun to help them thrive, and prune branches to keep their shape defined and to increase growth.
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Banksia tree (Banksia)
Banksia is another iconic Australian native tree, and can be found across the nation. With serrated leaves and big flower spikes, these trees can grow to around 12m tall depending on the variety you choose. Dwarf varieties are great for gardens that need a pretty groundcover. Unlike the she oak, banksia trees love sandy soil that is slightly acidic, and will do best in warm climates.
Waratah tree (Telopea)
Nothing is more Australian than a waratah tree. Heralding from eastern Australia, a waratah is the perfect option for a focal point or standalone tree that will have house guests oooing and ahhing.It has large bright red flowers in spring, displayed on the ends of the branches and is quite easily to maintain in a garden area. While it can tolerate moderate frost and dry conditions, it loves sub-tropical and temperate climates.
Aussie bush food trees
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Illawarra plum tree (Podocarpuselatus)
The fruit-bearing Illawarra is a slow-growing tree, but the advantage of this one is that you can grow it in a pot. If you wishto have yummy native plums to eat, you have to plant at least one male and one female plant next to each other. A sun-loving plant, the Illawarra plum alsolikes non-alkaline soil with adequate drainage.
Finger lime tree (Citrus australasica)
Finger lime or caviar lime is a great citrus native you can add to your garden. This tree is also suitable for pots and is surprisingly partial to cooler climates. When picking your finger lime fruit, make sure to wait until they are fully ripened before removing, as they do not ripen well off the branch.
Native mint bush (Prostanthera rotundifolia)
Green menthol-scented foliage with a pretty purple flower will add beautiful colour to your garden, and give you lots of mint to eat as well! This native plant enjoys partial shade but doesn't mind full sun during the summer months. It is recommended to mulch and water well when establishing this tree, and to prune yearly for growth encouragement.
Native trees best for hedges and screening
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Native frangipani tree (Hymenosporum flavum)
A rainforest tree that works great as a natural screen in front of fences or walls, the native frangipani. Surprisingly, it does not have any relation to the exotic frangipani, but it is still just as beautiful. The top tip when planting your native frangipani is to keep it away from areas that have strong wind, as the branches of this tree are quite brittle.
Lilly Pilly tree (Syzygium smithii)
The infamous lilly pilly tree is used far and wide across Australia for a hedge or screen in gardens. Producing fragrant white flowers, as well as pink berries (that you can also eat!), this native plant is a great option! It is best tokeep an eye out for psyllids, which can take advantage of weakened or stressed plants.
Native trees that like shade
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Blueberry ash tree (Elaeocarpus reticulatus)
An evergreen tree that produces pretty white or pink flowers and 'blueberries', the blueberry ash loves a rainforest climate and lots of shade. Birds and insects love this native tree, so be warned! Reaching about 3-4m wide and 8-15m tall in full maturity, this tree is great for large gardens with moist ground.
Lemon-scented myrtle tree (Backhousia citriodora)
After rain or being crushed in the hand, the foliage of a lemon-scented myrtle tree is delectable and citrusy. This is another rainforest tree that loves darker, wetter areas of the garden.As a native shade tree, choose the single-trunk variety and prune lower branches regularly to maintain its shape.
Native Australian tree care
Most Aussie natives are quite tolerant to drought and dryer weather conditions. This means they often prefer to fully dry out between waterings and do not enjoy too-moist soil. When first establishing, you should definitely water regularly, but when mature, your trees can handle a bit of dryness.
Fertiliser is not usually necessary for native trees since they thrive in Aussie soil, which is naturally low-nutrient. Flowering and fruit-producing plants do appreciate a fertiliser boost in the spring season.
Pruning and cutting back your native trees and plants will depend on the species of the plant itself, however pruning most often encourages new growth and good health.
