Olearia lacunosa
Lancewood Tree Daisy is a distinctive subalpine shrub or small tree with remarkably narrow, leathery leaves that create a unique textural effect in the garden. This hardy endemic species features long, dark green leaves with curled-under edges and rusty-fuzzy white undersides, creating beautiful contrast when moved by wind. The rough grey bark flakes in long thin strips similar to tōtara, while clusters of white daisy flowers with yellow centers provide seasonal interest. Naturally occurring from the Tararua Range south to Westland at elevations of 900-2300m, it's perfectly adapted to challenging mountain conditions. With moderate growth rates and excellent drainage tolerance, it's ideal for subalpine gardens and challenging sites. It represents our hardy collection of native trees.
Image credit: Lancewood Tree Daisy (Olearia lacunosa). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Olearia lacunosa |
|---|---|
| Height | 3-5 meters |
| Spread | 2-3 meters |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Very high (subalpine species) |
| Salt Tolerance | Good (suitable for seaside gardens) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Lancewood Tree Daisy thrives in subalpine to alpine climates, naturally occurring from 900-2300m elevation from the Tararua Range south to Westland. It performs excellently in cool mountain conditions with good drainage and is well-adapted to temperature extremes and challenging weather conditions.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Moderate |
| Auckland | Moderate |
| Hamilton | Good |
| Tauranga | Moderate |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Good |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Good |
| Whanganui | Good |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Lancewood Tree Daisy thrives in well-draining conditions:
Lancewood Tree Daisy is adaptable to light conditions:
Low to moderate water needs once established:
Lancewood Tree Daisy requires minimal pruning and naturally maintains an attractive form:
The moderate growth rate and naturally tidy habit make this species very low-maintenance. Focus on maintaining plant health rather than extensive shaping.
Plant Lancewood Tree Daisy during spring when growth begins or autumn for establishment before winter. This hardy species adapts well but benefits from optimal planting timing.
Choose a site with:
Water regularly during first growing season until established. This hardy mountain species becomes very low-maintenance and drought tolerant once established.
Growing Lancewood Tree Daisy from seed:
Semi-hardwood cuttings can be successful:
This species prefers slightly challenging conditions rather than overly fertile garden situations. Replicate its natural mountain habitat for best success.
Lancewood Tree Daisy represents New Zealand's remarkable adaptation to challenging mountain environments and our unique botanical heritage:
Today, Lancewood Tree Daisy is valued for its distinctive textural qualities and remarkable hardiness. It brings the character of New Zealand's high country to gardens worldwide, demonstrating how native plants can thrive in challenging conditions.
Lancewood Tree Daisy is naturally very hardy when grown in appropriate conditions. Most problems arise from poor drainage rather than serious pest or disease issues.
Plant Lancewood Tree Daisy where its unique textural qualities can be appreciated - the narrow leaves with their white-felted undersides create stunning visual effects when moved by wind. The characteristic flaking bark adds winter interest, making it excellent for year-round garden structure. Consider it for challenging sites where other plants struggle - its moderate growth rate and naturally tidy habit make it perfect for low-maintenance mountain-style gardens. The combination of durability and distinctive appearance makes it ideal for modern landscape design.
Learn more about subalpine native plants in Alpine Plants.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
Olearia are distinguished by their daisy-family flowers featuring white to cream ray petals surrounding yellow disc centers, borne on shrubs or small trees with characteristic flaky, furrowed bark. Leaves vary greatly between species but are typically evergreen and often have white or silvery undersides due to dense hairs. The woody growth form is unusual among the daisy family, with some species developing substantial trunks and canopies.
Tree daisies play crucial roles as pioneer species in disturbed habitats and as shelter providers for other native plants in harsh environments. Their nectar-rich flowers support native insects including butterflies and bees, while their seeds provide food for finches and other small birds. Many species form dense thickets that create microclimates allowing more sensitive plants to establish beneath their protection.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
Olearia species are exceptionally tough plants that thrive in exposed, windy conditions and well-drained soils, making them excellent for shelter and establishing gardens in difficult sites. They propagate easily from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in autumn and fresh seed, though seed viability is typically short-term. Most species prefer cool climates and may struggle in hot, humid conditions, performing best with some protection from extreme heat.
Several Olearia species face significant conservation threats, with Hector's tree daisy (O. hectorii) having only around 4,500 individuals remaining in highly fragmented South Island populations. Habitat loss, browsing by introduced mammals, and competition from invasive weeds threaten many species, particularly those with restricted ranges. Climate change may further stress alpine and subalpine species adapted to specific temperature regimes.
This plant has cultural associations in Aotearoa and is valued in restoration and gardens for ecological services; use eco‑sourced stock near natural areas.
Olearia species were valued by Māori for their practical uses, with the strong, dense wood of larger species like akeake used for tool handles, weapons, and construction materials. The name "akeake" reflects the wood's hardness and durability, making it prized for fence posts and implements requiring strength. Some species provided traditional medicines, though specific uses varied among different iwi and regions.
Olearia have evolved remarkable adaptations including dense leaf hairs for protection from UV radiation and desiccation, and the ability to photosynthesize in low-light forest conditions. Their evolution from herbaceous ancestors to woody forms represents adaptation to New Zealand's forest-dominated landscape where height provides competitive advantage. Wind-dispersed seeds allow colonization of new habitats including disturbed sites.
Tree daisies occupy diverse habitats from coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops to montane forests and alpine shrublands, with different species adapted to specific environmental conditions. Coastal species tolerate salt spray and strong winds, while montane species like mountain holly thrive in cool, moist "cloud forest" environments. Many species are found along riverbanks and in areas with good drainage but consistent moisture.
