Grevillea robusta - silky oak

Grevillea robusta – Silky Oak

This tree can vary a great deal in height, from small to large. It has dark grey bark, dark green lobed foliage and stunning golden-orange flowers. This tree is used widely in gardens, but is also very useful to control erosion around stream and river banks, and to reclaim old pasture land. The Silky Oak is one of the most popular ornamental native trees in Australia, and are widely grown here and also overseas as shade-trees and for their ability to adapt. These trees are renowned for the quality of the wood, which is used for cabinet making.

Note that Grevilleas can cause skin problems for people with sensitive skin, protective wear is recommended if affected. Also the sawdust from Grevillea robusta can be an irritant to skin and the respiratory system, protective wear is recommended when trimming and cutting and for woodworkers who use the beautiful timber


Plant Information

Plant Type - Large tree
Common Name - Silky Oak
Scientific Name - Grevillea robusta
Family - Proteaceae
Cultivar Name -
Other Common Name -
Minimum Height - 10
Maximum Height - 30
Minimum Width - 5
Maximum Width - 20
Flower Colour - Orange, Gold
Flowering Time - Spring
pH Level - Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Type - Sandy, Clay, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Poor soil
Plant Environment - Low maintenance garden, Coastal garden, Drought resistant
Climate Zone - Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean, Cool, Semi-arid
Light - Sunny, Light shade
Growth Habit - Evergreen, Open foliage
Life Span -
Soil Moisture - Dry, Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage
Propagation Method -
Frost Tolerance -
Plant Usage - Screen, Windbreak
Special Uses - Street tree, Erosion control, Pollution tolerant, Fast growing, Playground friendly
Attracts Wildlife - Bees, Nectar eating birds, Butterflies, Other insects
Angus Cultivar -