This strong, gnarled small tree has a thick furrowed grey brown bark and angular branching that forms a bushy habit. It has scattered serrated light green leaves and the large yellow-green flowers heads appear from late summer to autumn. 

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Banksia serrata is naturally found in Australia growing on the east coast from Queensland to New South Wales and Victoria and extending to Tasmania and varies in size depending on the soil and its exposure on escarpments. 

It prefers a deep sandy soil that is moderately fertile and grows in a sunny to semi shaded open position and is drought, salt and frost tolerant and fire resistant. 

The Saw Banksia is a long-lived tree that is grown for its flowers and gnarled appearance. It is planted in native gardens as a specimen or feature tree or used in a bushland setting attracting birds. It is suitable for coastal or low-mountain regions tolerating exposed positions and establishing in 2 to 4 years. ID 83

Note:
The Aborigines soaked flower heads in water to make a sweet drink and the timber is used in boat building or for firewood.

Banksia (BANK-see-a) serrata (se-RAH-ta)

‘Banksia’: after 18th century British botanist Sir Joseph Banks; ‘serrata’: saw-edged (refers to the leaf margin).

Proteaceae (pro-tee-AY-see-ee)
Protea Family