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Grevillea robusta - A.Cunn. ex R.Br.

Common Name Silky Oak
Family Proteaceae
USDA hardiness 9-11
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Temperate rainforests[157]
Range Australia - New South Wales, Queensland.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Grevillea robusta Silky Oak


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Grevillea robusta Silky Oak
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Summary

Bloom Color: Orange, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Oval, Pyramidal.


Physical Characteristics

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Grevillea robusta is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Nectar
Edible Uses: Gum

The flowers are one of the richest sources of nectar[183]. This can be sucked directly from the flowers, shaken into a bowl or washed out in a small quantity of water[183]. The nectar falls in showers when the flowers are shaken[144].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

Dye  Gum  Rootstock  Wood

The plant yields small quantities of a gum resin[154]. The leaves contain rutin, though quantities are not specified[240]. Intense yellow and green dyes are obtained from the leaves[168]. This tree is one of the most important reafforestation trees in Nepal[272]. This species is more resistant than other members of the genus to root-rotting fungus, it is sometimes used as a rootstock for the more susceptible species[200]. Wood - strong, silky textured, light, easily split, durable but porous. Used for panelling, joinery, cabinet making etc[154, 156, 167]. A good fuel[272].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Container, Pest tolerant, Aggressive surface roots possible. An easy and fast-growing tree requiring a well-drained slightly acid soil and a sunny position[260]. It prefers a rich moist soil[167], but it also succeeds in dry soils. Dislikes limey soils[1, 157]. Established plants are drought resistant[154]. This species is not very hardy when grown outdoors in Britain. In its native range it does experience frosts, though these are normally light and short-lived[167]. Plants tolerate temperatures down to -7°c in Australian gardens[157] though this cannot be translated directly to British gardens because of our cooler summers and longer, colder and wetter winters. It is usually grown as a pot plant in Britain, though it rarely flowers here[1]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is often grown as a street tree in suitable climates[260]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[157]. The flowers are very attractive to bees[154]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Invasive, Naturalizing, Attractive flowers or blooms.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow February in a warm greenhouse. Germination is usually good[78]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, June/July in a frame[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

A.Cunn. ex R.Br.

Botanical References

154200

Links / References

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Subject : Grevillea robusta  
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