Olearia solandri
Coastal Tree Daisy is a resilient native shrub with "At Risk - Declining" status, specially adapted to thrive in challenging coastal conditions. This fast-growing species features distinctive square yellow sticky twigs, clusters of small dark green leaves with white undersides, and produces masses of highly scented white daisy flowers in autumn. Named after Daniel Solander, the Swedish naturalist who sailed with Captain Cook, it's invaluable for coastal gardens, windbreaks, and erosion control. With exceptional salt and wind tolerance, it's perfect for exposed sites where other plants struggle. It represents our important collection of coastal plants.
Image credit: Coastal Tree Daisy (Olearia solandri). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Olearia solandri |
|---|---|
| Height | 3-5 meters |
| Spread | 2-3 meters |
| Water Needs | Low (drought tolerant) |
| Light | Full sun preferred |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate |
| Salt Tolerance | Excellent |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Coastal Tree Daisy thrives in coastal climates with salt spray and wind exposure, naturally occurring from the North Island to the northern South Island. It performs best in areas with moderate temperatures and good drainage, particularly suited to seaside and estuarine environments.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Good |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Moderate |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Good |
| Palmerston North | Good |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Good |
| Dunedin | Moderate |
| Invercargill | Moderate |
Coastal Tree Daisy is exceptionally adaptable to challenging soil conditions:
Coastal Tree Daisy performs best in bright conditions:
Low water needs make this ideal for challenging sites:
Coastal Tree Daisy responds excellently to pruning and can be maintained as a formal hedge:
This species is very tolerant of regular pruning and actually benefits from trimming to maintain dense, bushy growth ideal for coastal conditions.
Plant Coastal Tree Daisy in spring for best establishment, though this hardy species can be planted almost year-round in suitable coastal climates. Avoid winter planting in areas prone to severe frost.
Choose a site with:
Water regularly during establishment phase, then reduce to occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. This hardy species quickly becomes self-sufficient.
Growing Coastal Tree Daisy from seed:
Semi-hardwood cuttings are very successful:
Due to declining status, propagation efforts are valuable for conservation. Share plants with coastal restoration projects and other gardeners.
Coastal Tree Daisy carries significant historical importance, named after one of the most influential naturalists in the early exploration of New Zealand:
Today, Coastal Tree Daisy serves as both a tribute to early botanical exploration and a reminder of the ongoing need for coastal conservation. Each planted specimen helps preserve this historically significant species while providing practical benefits for coastal gardening.
Coastal Tree Daisy is remarkably hardy and adapted to challenging coastal conditions. Most issues resolve naturally with this resilient species.
Plant Coastal Tree Daisy as a fast-growing hedge near the sea where its autumn flowering creates a spectacular fragrant display just when many other plants are finishing. The sticky square twigs are fascinating to examine up close - children love the tactile experience. Consider planting multiple specimens to enjoy the prolonged autumn fragrance and support conservation of this declining species. It's perfect for creating quick shelter while slower-growing coastal natives establish.
Learn more about coastal native plants in Coastal 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.
