Scurfy Tree Daisy
Olearia furfuracea
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Olearia furfuracea is a coastal to lowland tree daisy with simple leaves and daisy-like capitula. It is wind-tolerant and suited to sunny, free-draining sites in mixed native plantings.
Identification
Leaves alternate, simple, and often leathery; margins entire to faintly toothed. Flower heads with outer ligulate florets and inner tubular florets. Check indumentum and capitulum arrangement versus similar coastal Olearia .
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Olearia furfuracea |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Endemism | Endemic to New Zealand |
| Height | 2-8 m (varies with site) |
| Spread | Clump-forming to 40-60 cm |
| Water Needs | Moderate; avoid waterlogging |
| Light | Full sun |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate to high (coastal species) |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Climate Best Suited to
Mild coastal to lowland climates; tolerates wind and salt spray.
Regional Suitability
| City | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Moderate |
| Whangārei | Suitable |
| Hamilton | Suitable |
| Tauranga | Suitable |
| Rotorua | Suitable |
| Gisborne | Suitable |
| New Plymouth | Suitable |
| Napier | Suitable |
| Whanganui | Suitable |
| Palmerston North | Suitable |
| Nelson | Suitable |
| Invercargill | Suitable |
Habitat and Distribution
Olearia furfuracea is typically found in coastal to lowland scrub and forest margins across the North Island of New Zealand. It thrives on free-draining soils and tolerates wind and moderate coastal exposure, preferring sunny aspects where it contributes to the biodiversity of these dynamic ecosystems.
Plant Conservation
Olearia furfuracea ( Olearia furfuracea ) represents an important component of New Zealand's unique flora. Conservation of native plant species and their habitats is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health.
How to Grow
Cultivation Requirements
Full sun to light shade; well-drained soils. Water to establish, then only in extended drought. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain form and encourage new shoots.
Planting Guide
Best Planting Practices
Plant in sun with free-draining soils; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; shelter young plants from the strongest winds.
Ecology
contributes structure and seasonal resources where it grows, providing cover and habitat for invertebrates and, when flowering or fruiting, nectar, pollen or seed for fauna. By tolerating the stresses of its environment, it helps stabilise sites and enrich small‑scale habitat diversity. Olearia furfuracea
Uses
Traditional and Modern Applications
Suited to sunny, maritime gardens with sandy or rocky soils where wind and salt are considerations. Fits woodland and understory schemes beneath open canopies, especially in restoration plantings.
Landscaping Ideas
Combine with compatible natives to echo its natural associates, and use stony or leaf‑litter mulches to reinforce the intended microclimate. Avoid cramped beds; allow room for the plant’s mature form to read as a clear structural element.
Seasonal Care
Year-Round Maintenance
Spring: check ties and remove winter damage. Summer: water deeply but infrequently to promote deep roots. Autumn: refresh mulches and reduce irrigation as growth slows. Winter: ensure drainage and exposure are maintained, especially on heavy soils.
Pruning
Pruning Techniques
Little pruning is required; remove dead or crossing material after flowering and avoid hard renovation cuts. Light tip‑pruning maintains compact form without compromising the plant’s natural character.
How to Grow Scurfy Tree Daisy
From Seed
Propagation of Olearia furfuracea from fresh seed is a viable method. Collect seeds (achenes) from the dried flower heads once they are mature, typically in late summer to autumn. Sow the seeds onto a very free-draining seed-raising mix in spring, covering lightly. Asteraceae seeds often benefit from light for germination, so maintain good light exposure. Keep the substrate evenly moist but not saturated, ensuring good air circulation to prevent damping-off. Germination can be erratic and slow, often taking several weeks to months. Once seedlings are robust enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in a cool, bright, and well-ventilated location until strong enough for planting out.
From Cuttings
Olearia furfuracea can be successfully propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. Select healthy, firm stem segments, about 10-15 cm long, from the current season's growth. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Insert the cuttings into a free-draining rooting medium such as a mix of sand and perlite. Provide bottom heat (around 18-24°C or 65-75°F) and high humidity around the cuttings, either by placing them in a propagation chamber or covering them with a plastic bag. Keep in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Rooting typically occurs reliably within 8-16 weeks. Once rooted, gradually acclimatize plants to ambient conditions before potting up.
General Cultivation
The Scurfy Tree Daisy is a robust woody shrub or small tree that thrives in mild coastal to lowland climates with good light and free-draining soils. It is wind-tolerant and suited to sunny, free-draining sites in mixed native plantings, making it an excellent choice for exposed maritime environments. Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil; avoid prolonged waterlogging. This species generally benefits from an open position with good air movement. Mulch lightly to conserve moisture through dry spells and to suppress weeds in the establishment phase, keeping material clear of the stem base. Water during establishment; thereafter, only during extended drought. Prune after flowering to maintain compact form and promote new shoots. Sun, airflow, and sharp drainage maximise flowering and compactness.
Pests & Diseases
Good siting prevents most problems-sharp drainage and appropriate exposure are key. In still, shaded corners, sap‑suckers and sooty mould may appear; improve airflow and wash foliage if needed. Protect young plants from browsing where deer, goats or rabbits are present.
Cultural Significance
Traditional Uses and Values
As an endemic New Zealand tree daisy, Olearia furfuracea holds cultural value through its contribution to the resilience and biodiversity of coastal shrublands. Its role in these ecosystems aligns with the principles of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), supporting the health and sustainability of natural environments important to Māori heritage.
Bonus Tip
Expert Growing Advice
To achieve the most abundant flowering and a dense, compact growth habit, ensure Olearia furfuracea is planted in full sun with excellent airflow and sharply drained soils. These conditions are crucial for maximizing its ornamental appeal and overall plant health, mimicking its natural, exposed coastal habitat.
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