Bursaria spinosa

Common Name:
Sweet Bursaria

Description:
Bursaria spinosa, commonly known as Sweet Bursaria, is a hardy and versatile Australian native shrub or small tree valued for its delicate white flowers and ecological benefits. It is an important component of native bushland, especially in Victoria, and is commonly found in dry sclerophyll forests, open woodlands, and grasslands. This evergreen plant features thorny branches that provide excellent shelter for small birds and insects. Its foliage is small and dark green, forming a dense, often spiny habit. During summer, Sweet Bursaria bursts into masses of small, fragrant white flowers that attract a wide range of pollinators, especially native bees and butterflies. Following flowering, it produces decorative brown seed capsules. It grows well in a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, and thrives in both well-drained and heavier soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and can tolerate moderate frost, making it suitable for low-maintenance native gardens, wildlife corridors, and shelterbelts. Sweet Bursaria is slow-growing but very long-lived, and it responds well to pruning, making it adaptable for hedging or habitat gardens.

Form:
*Shrub - Large
*Tree - Small

Mature Size:
*Height: 2 to 10 metres
*Width: 2 to 4 metres

Aspect:
*Full Sun
*Part Shade

Flowering:
*Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:
*White

Key Attributes:
*Australian native
*Suitable for Hedging
*Bird Attracting
*Bee Attracting
*Perennial
*Scented flowers
*Suitable for Shelterbelts
*Can be used for erosion control
*Responds well to pruning

Toxicity:
Not known to be toxic to humans or animals.

Companion Plants:
*Acacia species
*Eucalyptus species
*Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass)
*Poa labillardierei
*Dianella species