173B-3-Spyridium-parvifolium-fol-MB.jpg

Spyridium parvifolium

Dusty Miller

Spreading shrub with densely hairy stems, often rusty.

Additional information

  • FamilyRhamnaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size1-2 m x 1-2 m
  • Plant groupingShrubs to 2m
  • LeavesDark green elliptic to roundish hairy, strongly veined leaves, 4-18 mm x 3-13 mm, with notched tips, whitish, densely hairy below. A form from the Dandenongs has leaves 25 mm or more long.
  • Flower colourWhite
  • Flowering timeJuly to November
  • FlowersTight flat clusters of tiny honey-scented flowers at the ends of branches, surrounded by hairy white floral leaves.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils of moist forests and heathland. Frost tolerant. Some forms snow tolerant. Semi shade to dappled shade.
  • Garden useAn attractive shrub flowering for a long time, producing a distinctive honey fragrance when planted en masse. Pruning beneficial. A low form from NSW is available commercially.
  • Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
  • Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©

Plant Communities

  • 05 Mountain Ash Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 30)
  • 20 Messmate Lowland Forest (EVC 16)
  • 06 Mountain Ash Wet Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 30)
  • 22 Silver-leaf Stringybark Heathy Woodland (EVC 48)
  • 07 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 29)
  • 25 Long-leaf Box Grassy Dry Forest - Southern Dandenongs (EVC 22)
  • 13 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Upper Yarra (EVC 18)
  • 27 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 22)
  • 16 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest Central Highlands/UpperYarra (EVC 45)
  • 30 Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • 17 Messmate Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 32 Silvertop Ash Shrubby Foothill Forest (EVC 45)
  • 18 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 45)
  • 46 Silvertop Ash Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
  • Page 1 of 1