Olearia odorata
Scented Tree Daisy is an important conservation species with "At Risk - Declining" status, renowned for its clusters of small, intensely fragrant white flowers that appear in spring. This hardy divaricating shrub features many interlacing reddish twigs and pale narrow leaves, creating an open, twiggy growth habit. Critically important for biodiversity, it provides essential habitat for native moths and insects, with some species entirely dependent on it. Found in open areas east of the Main Divide, this resilient species withstands wind, drought, and coastal conditions, making cultivation vital for conservation. It represents our important collection of threatened species.
Image credit: Scented Tree Daisy (Olearia odorata). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Olearia odorata |
|---|---|
| Height | 2-4 meters |
| Spread | 2-3 meters |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | High |
| Salt Tolerance | Excellent |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Scented Tree Daisy thrives in dry, open areas east of the Main Divide, adapted to challenging conditions including wind, drought, and coastal exposure. It performs best in areas with moderate to low rainfall and good drainage, particularly suited to Canterbury and Otago regions.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Good |
| Auckland | Good |
| Hamilton | Good |
| Tauranga | Good |
| Rotorua | Good |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Good |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Good |
| Palmerston North | Good |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Good |
Scented Tree Daisy is highly adaptable to various soil conditions:
Scented Tree Daisy performs well in various light conditions:
Low to moderate water needs make this ideal for dry gardens:
Scented Tree Daisy generally requires minimal pruning due to its conservation importance:
Given the conservation status, the priority is maintaining healthy specimens that can support dependent wildlife rather than aesthetic pruning.
Plant Scented Tree Daisy in spring when temperatures warm and growth begins, or in autumn when conditions are favorable for establishment. This conservation species benefits from optimal planting conditions.
Choose a site with:
Water regularly during first year until well-established. This hardy species becomes very drought tolerant and low-maintenance once established.
Growing Scented Tree Daisy from seed for conservation:
Semi-hardwood cuttings can be successful:
Due to declining status, all propagation efforts contribute significantly to conservation. Share plants with other gardeners, botanical gardens, and conservation groups.
Scented Tree Daisy represents both New Zealand's unique botanical heritage and the urgent need for conservation action to preserve declining native species:
Today, every cultivated specimen of Scented Tree Daisy contributes to conservation, maintaining genetic diversity and supporting dependent species while serving as insurance against further population decline.
Given its conservation status, focus on maintaining optimal growing conditions and avoiding any practices that might harm the beneficial insects that depend on this plant.
Create a "conservation corner" in your garden dedicated to At Risk species like Scented Tree Daisy. Plant it near paths or seating areas where the intense spring fragrance can be appreciated, and observe the fascinating native moths and insects it supports. Document your observations and contribute to citizen science projects - every sighting helps build knowledge about this declining species. Consider joining local conservation groups to support habitat protection efforts.
Learn more about threatened native species in Threatened Species.
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.
