This variable shrub forms an upright rounded compact to open habit with smooth to corky bark and has no lignotuber. The needle-like leaves are dark green and the orange-red flowers appear in a long cylindrical spike during winter.  

Hardiness zones 8 to 11

Banksia ericifolia is naturally found in Australia from the central coast to Jervis Bay in New South Wales growing in sandy loams normally associated with sandstone outcrop around swamps and varies in habit depending on environmental conditions. 

It prefers a well drained sandy-stony soil that is tending acidic and grows in a sunny to partial shade open position and tolerates light frost, drought and salt spray. 

Heath Banksia is grown for its flower heads and its upright habit. It is planted parks and gardens as a specimen for attracting birds or as a windbreak. It is also used in border plantings for screening. It is suitable for coastal or mountain regions tolerating exposed positions. As it is not eaten by stock it is planted on farms as a windbreak or shelter belt and establishes in 2 to 4 years. It is planted in commercial sites or used for bush regeneration. There are several cultivars available. ID 84

Note:
When burnt it dies but is soon replaced by germinating seeds as the follicles open. 

Banksia (BANK-see-a) ericifolia (eric-ē-FOL-a)

‘Banksia’: after 18th century British botanist Sir Joseph Banks; ‘ericifolia’: from Latin erica + folia - leaves like the Erica.

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