Olearia moschata
Musky Tree Daisy is a distinctive subalpine shrub easily recognized by its silvery-grey appearance, aromatic foliage, and compact bushy habit. This hardy South Island endemic produces small white daisy flowers with yellow centers and has thick, oval leaves that release a characteristic musky scent when touched. Discovered by Sir Julius von Haast in 1862, it thrives in the challenging mountain environments south from Arthur's Pass, making it an excellent choice for alpine gardens and cool climate plantings. It represents our specialized collection of alpine plants.
Image credit: Musky Tree Daisy (Olearia moschata). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Olearia moschata |
|---|---|
| Height | 1-2 meters |
| Spread | 1-1.5 meters |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Very high (subalpine species) |
| Salt Tolerance | Low to moderate |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Musky Tree Daisy thrives in cool, subalpine climates and is naturally found in the South Island from Arthur's Pass southwards. It prefers areas with cool summers, cold winters, and moderate rainfall, making it ideal for mountain gardens and cooler regions with good air circulation.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Moderate |
| Auckland | Moderate |
| Hamilton | Good |
| Tauranga | Moderate |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Moderate |
| New Plymouth | Good |
| Napier | Good |
| Whanganui | Good |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Musky Tree Daisy has specific soil preferences reflecting its mountain habitat:
Musky Tree Daisy adapts to various light conditions:
Low to moderate water needs once established:
Musky Tree Daisy requires minimal pruning and naturally maintains an attractive compact form:
The natural compact, bushy habit is attractive and should be preserved. Focus on maintaining plant health rather than extensive shaping.
The best time to plant Musky Tree Daisy is during spring when temperatures warm up and growth begins, or in early autumn when conditions are cooling but soil remains warm.
Choose a site with:
Water regularly during establishment but avoid overwatering. This species is adapted to mountain conditions and prefers slightly drier conditions once established.
Growing Musky Tree Daisy from seed:
Semi-hardwood cuttings can be successful:
This species can be challenging to propagate. Success rates may be variable, so attempt multiple propagations and maintain optimal growing conditions.
Musky Tree Daisy holds special significance in New Zealand's botanical exploration history and represents the unique adaptations of our subalpine flora:
Today, Musky Tree Daisy serves as a living reminder of New Zealand's rich history of botanical exploration and the remarkable adaptations of our native flora to challenging mountain environments.
Musky Tree Daisy is generally hardy when grown in appropriate cool, well-draining conditions. Most problems arise from unsuitable growing conditions rather than serious pest or disease issues.
Take advantage of the Musky Tree Daisy's aromatic foliage by planting it along pathways or near seating areas where the distinctive musky scent can be appreciated when leaves are brushed against. The silvery-grey foliage creates beautiful textural contrast in mixed plantings and is particularly striking when backlit. Consider pairing with other alpine plants that share similar growing requirements for a cohesive mountain garden theme.
Learn more about alpine 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.
