Spearwood / Yellow Kunzea - Kunzea ericifolia (Kitja boorn) seeds

Kunzea ericifolia - Spearwood (Yellow Kunzea, Kitja Boorn)
A resilient native plant with cultural, practical, and culinary significance.

Quick Facts

• Height: Shrub or small tree, typically up to 4 meters tall.
• Flowers: Bright yellow, fluffy blooms, adding visual interest to gardens.
• Soil: Thrives in sandy, well-drained soils; also adapts to peaty or quartzite soils.
• Habitat: Found in Southwest Australia, particularly along watercourses, lakes, and seasonally wet swamps.
• Position: Prefers full sun and tolerates drought and frost.

Why Grow Kunzea ericifolia?

Spearwood is a versatile and hardy plant, ideal for native gardens, wetland areas, and practical applications. Its vibrant yellow flowers and ability to thrive in challenging conditions make it a valuable addition to ornamental and functional landscapes. With its traditional uses and bush food potential, it offers a connection to Australia’s rich Indigenous heritage.

Bush Food Note

Kunzea ericifolia leaves and stems are traditionally used to make a refreshing and medicinal tea:

• Preparation: Brewed tea from the leaves is pleasantly aromatic and has tonic properties.
• Modern Uses: Stems are used as bean-sticks in market gardens and in the construction of crayfish pots.

Cultural Significance

The Noongar people have long valued spearwood for its utility:

• Spear Making: Kitja Boorn is used to craft spears for hunting in small swamps and water holes.

How to Grow

1. Sowing Instructions:

   • Surface sow seeds and cover lightly with a thin layer of gravel.
   • Smoke treatment may improve germination rates.

2. Position:

   • Plant in full sun for optimal growth.
   • Suitable for wetland margins, swamps, or watercourse edges.

3. Care Tips:

   • Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature.
   • Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage flowering.
   • Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Uses in Your Garden

• Ornamental Value: Yellow, fluffy flowers add vibrant colour to native landscapes.
• Wetland Restoration: Perfect for stabilising soil and enhancing biodiversity along water margins.
• Practical Use: Stems are strong and versatile for garden supports and craft applications.
• Bush Food Garden: A unique addition for making aromatic and tonic teas.

Germination Tips

• Timeframe: Germination typically occurs within 3–5 weeks.
• Pre-Treatment: Smoke treatment may enhance results.
• Sowing Time: Best sown in late spring to summer.
• Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist during germination without waterlogging.

Order Now

Add the beauty and functionality of Kunzea ericifolia to your garden or restoration project. Its vibrant blooms, traditional uses, and hardiness make it a standout native plant.

Order your Spearwood seeds today and grow a connection to Australia’s natural and cultural heritage!