---
title: Silver Banksia
date: 2024-02-14T09:53:00+11:00
author: Private Forests Tasmania
canonical_url: "https://pft.tas.gov.au/tree-species/silver-banksia"
section: Tree Species
---
1. [Private Forests Tasmania](/)
2. Silver Banksia
 

#  Silver Banksia 

 

 

 

 

 

 ![Silver banksia Banksia marginata](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Tree-Species/_800x800_crop_center-center_none/77138/Silver-banksia-Banksia-marginata.webp) 

## Scientific Name

Banksia Marginata

## Family Name

PROTEACEAE

## Common Name

Silver Banksia

 

 

### General Information

 

  Height 8.0m (800cm)   Flowers Spikes, 10cm long, of soft yellow flowers.   Fruit Seed follicles clustered in woody cones   Form Small tree   Municipalities Break O'Day; Brighton; Burnie; Central Coast; Central Highlands; Circular Head; Clarence; Derwent Valley; Devonport; Dorset; Flinders Island; Georgetown; Glamorgan-Spring Bay; Glenorchy; Hobart; Huon Valley; Kentish; King Island; Kingborough; Latrobe; Launceston; Meander Valley; Northern Midlands; Sorell; Southern Midlands; Tasman; Waratah-Wynyard; West Coast; West Tamar   Communities Coastal Vegetation; Dry Eucalypt Forest and Woodland; Heath; Wet Eucalypt Forest   Habitat Notes This widespread species occurs as a shrub in heath, coastal scrub, dry sclerophyll forest, grassy forest and subalpine forest. As a tree it is relatively common on sheltered coastal sand dunes and in the grassy woodlands of the Midlands.   Site Tolerance Exposed; Moist; Rocky; Waterlogged; Windy   Frost Tolerance Hardy   Soil Tolerance Clay; Loam; Phosphorous intolerant; Poor; Sandy; Well-drained   General Notes Place the seed in moist paper or sand and refrigerate for 6-10 weeks. Seeds will generally release from cone (tweezers may be necessary) once removed from tree and placed in warm room. Or use oven 80-100oC for 30 mins, with door partially open. Seed short-lived once extracted. Very useful for providing medium-level cover (up to 8m) in windbreaks. May be used as a sheltering species in timber belts. Resistant to wildlife browsing due to its unpalatability. Susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi.Koori (mainland) use: Flower cones were soaked in water in wooden vessels to extract the sweet nectar to make drinks. The dry cones were used as strainers. Attracts native birds. Not suitable below powerlines.   

 

### Propagation Details

Flowering MonthsJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSeed Collecting MonthsJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSowing MonthsJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecCutting MonthsJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec 

 

 

### Seed Information

 

  Seed Collection Seed is ripe when follicle is dark brown and woody (not soft and green/light tan when scratched). seed is thin, with papery wing. one or two seeds, separated by a woody divider, in each follicle   Seed Treatment Method Standard   Seed Storage Life Short   Viable Seeds Per Gram 16   Seed Treatment Notes Use fresh seed. Germinates quicker in cooler months, or stratify\*, partially inhibited by light so cover seed/sow deeply or place in darkness till germinated. Seedlings susceptible to fungus, so ensure good ventilation and sterile pots, mix etc. Smoke treatment may be beneficial.   Germination Time 4-8 weeks   Suitable For Direct Seeding Yes   

 

### Cuttings

 

  Propagation By Division No   Cutting Notes From cuttings of firm, young growth.