Riparian Restoration

Astartea scoparia (Common Astartea)

A small shrub to 1.8m. Grows in sandy and loamy soils, but tolerates most soil types and small drought periods. Produces masses of white flowers over summer months, attracting pollinating insects.

Taxandria linearifolia (Swamp Peppermint)

A medium-sized shrub that loves wet areas and grows in a variety of soils. Very common along watercourses and wetland edges in south-west WA. Flowers in white clusters in March - May or September - December.

Melaleuca incana (Grey Honey Myrtle)

A small, hardy shrub that grows well in a variety of wet zones, and tolerates drying out in summer. From the Myrtaceae family, the Grey Honey Myrtle is endemic to the south-west of WA. This shrub grows quickly (up to 2 metres in 3 years) and provides a sturdy windbreak for stock. Bees and other pollinators love its yellow flower which blooms in winter. An added advantage of Melaleuca incana is its prolific seeding capacity, and can quickly populate an area with minimal interference.

Beaufortia sparsa (Swamp Bottle Brush)

A small erect shrub with beautiful red-orange flowers that grows in mostly sandy soils around swamps and watercourses. Endemic to the south-west of WA. Flowers from January to April or September to November.

The Swamp Bottle Brush is an important nectar source for Honey and Pygmy Possums and encourages bees, wasps, birds and other pollinators to the area.

Corymbia calophylla (Marri)

Our most common tree in the south west. Grows to 40-50m high in a variety of soils and landforms. Makes a great windbreak and shelter tree. Flowers in summer which provides an important nectar source for birds and insects.

Marri are also important for vineyards. The late summer flowers help to take the bird pressure away from the vines.

Melaleuca rhaphiophylla (Swamp Paperbark)

Our classic Swamp Paperbark tree. Grows to 10m tall but can also take on a large shrub form. Flowers spasmodically in spring and summer. Its shallow roots and propensity to grow right in wetlands and on watercourses, make it an important tree for stabilising soils and trapping sediment to reduce erosion. It provides great habitat for water birds as it provides shelter in wetlands and flood zones during the breeding season.

Agonis flexuosa (Peppermint)

Everybody knows our famous Peppies, and some farmers don’t like them as they spread into paddocks. They are one of the most common and hardy trees in the Lower Blackwood region. They grow fairly fast and tolerate windy conditions, and are an important pioneer species when trying to establish riparian vegetation.

Callistachys lanceolata (Wonnich/Native Willow)

A handy large shrub or small tree as it grows fast and provides wind shelter for other riparian plants to establish. Flowers orange-yellow from September to January. Great as a windbreak or shelter for stock.

Lepidosperma effusum (Coastal Sword Sedge)

The Coastal Sword Sedge seeds well, is hardy and spreads quickly. It's one of the few species that can hold its own against the pressure of kikuyu grass. It's known as a 'pioneering species' (Pioneer species means hardy species that are the first to colonize previously biodiverse steady-state ecosystems. It means that they are the heroes which help other species find the place to live). It is planted in winter as it can handle the waterlogging in the wetlands, but can also manage comfortably in long dry summers without watering.

Baumea rubiginosa (Soft Twig-Rush)

An ideal plant for wetland zones, it is a robust perennial sedge that typically grows up to 250cm tall and thrives with wet feet. It is tolerant of frosts, low nutrient soils and even poor water quality.

The tufted sedge spreads from a short thick underground stem creating a thick understory which provides a safe haven for native flora and fauna .

Hardenbergia comptoniana (Native Wisteria)

The Native Wisteria is a twining vine that is native to the south west of Australia. It is a hardy plant that is drought tolerant and will survive on sandy or gravelly soils. This plant loves full sun but will survive happily in part shade.

This plant grows fast. In late winter it blooms with a burst of purple flowers and twines extensively, creating a dense understory to attract and protect insects and small fauna.

Kennedia coccinea (Coral Vine)

The Coral Vine is a vigorous, dense ground cover and climber that flowers in late winter and spring. It grows about 30cm high and 3-4m wide, so is an ideal plant for protecting soils. It tolerates drought and frost and grows in sandy loam, gravelly loam, gravelly clay loam and clay loam.

It is very good for attracting insects so is a valuable eco-system booster.