Family:
Asteraceae
Cassinia sifton
Dolly Bush
Other Names: Sifton Bush, Chinese Shrub, Biddy Bush, Drooping Cassinia
Regional Subspecies:
Occurrence:
Regional:
Not as widespread as Common Cassinia (C. aculeata subsp. aculeata), but can be found throughout most of the region.
Australia:
NSW, Vic, SA, WA.
Habitat:
Wide range of habitats and soils.
Habit:
Small open aromatic shrub to 2 m high. Small narrow leaves and white woolly long slender branches. Scattered plants or dense clumps.
Site Preference:
Well-drained soil. Open position in semi-shade. Tolerates moist soil, full sun and drought. Resents poor drainage.
Characteristics:
Fast-growing. Strong curry smell and drooping plumes of brownish flowerheads. Declared noxious weed in Culcairn Shire due to colonising habit.
Flowering:
Shiny pale-brown flowerheads, spring-autumn.
Seed Collection:
Early Feb to late Jun. Seeds released 3-14 days after maturity.
Propagation:
From seed. Surface sow fine seed and cover lightly. Seedlings very small and may be difficult to handle. Direct sowing into pots recommended.
Regeneration:
Germinates any time of year and grows rapidly.
VALUES:
Land Protection:
Readily colonises disturbed and bare soils. Useful for reclaiming gravel pits or mine dumps.
Ornamental:
Attractive, graceful and easily grown. Remove old flowerheads to promote flowering and dense growth.
Other:
Foliage suitable for cut flower arrangements.