Linear Leaf Tree Daisy
Olearia lineata
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Olearia lineata is a twiggy tree daisy with narrow, linear leaves and daisy-like capitula. It forms fine-textured shrubs and is well-suited to sunny, free-draining sites in shelter belts and native plantings.
Identification
Narrow, linear leaves on twiggy branchlets. Flower heads with white ray florets and a yellowish disc typical of Olearia . Distinguish from other narrow-leaved species by leaf width/length ratios and capitulum size and placement.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Olearia lineata |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Endemism | Endemic to New Zealand |
| Height | 2-8 m (varies with site) |
| Spread | Clump-forming to 40-60 cm |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate; free-draining soils |
| Light | Full sun |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate |
| Salt Tolerance | Low to moderate |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Lifespan | Annual |
Climate Best Suited to
Mild temperate climates; tolerates wind and dryness when established.
Regional Suitability
| City | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Moderate |
| Whangārei | Suitable |
| Auckland | Suitable |
| Hamilton | Suitable |
| Tauranga | Suitable |
| Rotorua | Suitable |
| Gisborne | Suitable |
| New Plymouth | Suitable |
| Napier | Suitable |
| Whanganui | Suitable |
| Palmerston North | Suitable |
| Invercargill | Suitable |
Habitat
Natural Distribution
Endemic to the South Island, from north Canterbury south to Southland and Rakiura/Stewart Island. Found from lowland to montane zones in grey scrub, tussock grassland and at forest margins. Frequently on river terraces in or near seepages and ephemeral wetlands, sometimes even rooted in shallow water. Also present along margins of steep river gorges and amongst rock outcrops, boulder fields and at the toes of alluvial fans where periodic disturbance maintains open niches.
Conservation Status
Current Threats and Protection
Not Threatened nationally. Localised pressures include conversion of grey scrub, grazing and weed invasion of river‑terrace habitats. Retaining natural river processes and controlling invasive shrubs support ongoing recruitment and stand structure.
How to Grow
Cultivation Requirements
Full sun to part shade; free-draining soils. Tolerates wind; trim lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, twiggy form. Water to establish then only in extended dry periods.
Planting Guide
Best Planting Practices
Plant in full sun to light shade in free‑draining loams or gravels. On hot, dry sites, incorporate organic matter to improve water‑holding and irrigate regularly through the first two summers. Space 80-120 cm apart for hedges or shelter belts and tip‑prune after planting to encourage dense basal branching.
Ecology
A fine‑textured divaricating shrub that contributes structure to grey scrub mosaics and provides nectar and pollen for invertebrates when in flower. The twiggy framework offers shelter for small birds and withstands wind and seasonal drought on exposed terraces.
Uses
Traditional and Modern Applications
Excellent for native hedging and shelter; regular trimming produces a dense, wind‑tolerant screen. In mixed plantings it supplies fine texture and silvery undersides that contrast with broader‑leaved shrubs. The popular cultivar ‘Dartonii’ grown in gardens differs in habit and may be of hybrid origin.
Landscaping Ideas
Use as a clipped native hedge along boundaries or driveways, or interplant with tussock grasses and other divaricating shrubs to echo eastern South Island grey‑scrub structure. Its fine texture and silvery leaf undersides provide contrast beside broad‑leafed hebes and coprosmas, while the twiggy habit reads well against stone and gravel.
Seasonal Care
Year-Round Maintenance
Spring: check stakes and ties, top‑dress and mulch, and tip‑prune to shape. Summer: water deeply during extended dry spells to support current‑season growth. Autumn: light trimming after flowering maintains density and removes spindly shoots. Winter: avoid heavy cuts in severe frost periods; keep weed‑free rings around stems.
Pruning
Pruning Techniques
Responds well to regular light trimming. Hedge in late summer to early autumn to thicken the canopy; avoid cutting back to lifeless wood. Selective thinning of older stems every few years admits light and preserves a layered, twiggy habit.
How to Grow Linear Leaf Tree Daisy
From Seed
Propagation of Olearia lineata 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 very 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. Use eco-sourced material for restoration and regional authenticity.
From Cuttings
Olearia lineata 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 Linear Leaf Tree Daisy is a twiggy tree daisy that thrives in mild temperate climates, tolerating wind and dryness once established. It forms fine-textured shrubs well-suited to sunny, free-draining sites in shelter belts and native plantings. Plant in full sun to part shade in free-draining loams or gravels; avoid prolonged waterlogging. On hot, dry sites, incorporate organic matter to improve water-holding and irrigate regularly through the first two summers. This species generally benefits from an open position with good air movement. Water during establishment; thereafter, only during extended drought. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, twiggy form and promote new shoots. For dense, even screens, tip-prune little and often rather than making a single hard cut. Small trims after flowering encourage many short shoots, improving wind resistance and privacy.
Pests & Diseases
Generally robust and drought‑tolerant once established. Poor airflow can encourage scale and sooty mould on inner twigs-thin lightly and wash affected foliage. Ensure drainage on heavy soils to prevent winter root stress.
Cultural Significance
Traditional Uses and Values
As a characteristic shrub of eastern South Island grey scrub, Olearia lineata helps convey the visual identity of river‑terrace and outwash landscapes. Using eco‑sourced plants in restoration honours local whakapapa and supports resilient native shrub communities.
Bonus Tip
For dense, even screens, tip‑prune little and often rather than making a single hard cut. Small trims after flowering encourage many short shoots, improving wind resistance and privacy.
