Family:

Proteaceae

Grevillea alpina

Cat’s Claws Grevillea

Other Names: Mountain Grevillea, Alpine Grevillea, Goldfields Grevillea.

First Nations Name(s):

Name Origin:

Grevillea — after Charles Francis Greville (1749-1809), co-founder of London Horticultural Society.

alpina — from Latin alpinus, alpine, referring to habitat of some provenances (localities).

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Noted only in Albury district.

Australia:

NSW, Vic.

Habitat:

Dry sclerophyll forest or woodland, heath or mallee. Usually on sandy soil.

Habit:

Spreading to semi-prostrate shrub 30 cm to 2 m high, with grey-green foliage.

Site Preference:

Well-drained soil. Tolerates frost and extended dry periods.

Characteristics:

Can be long-lived.

Flowering:

Bright red and yellow, mainly winter-spring.

Seed Collection:

Early Dec to late Feb. Monitor closely as seeds shed immediately or 1-2 days after maturity.

Long season. Profuse and conspicuous.

Propagation:

From cuttings of fresh new growth, 5-7 cm long, or from seed. Rooting hormones should improve strike rate.

Regeneration:

From seed. Some provenances sucker.

VALUES:

Shade & Shelter:

Useful low-level cover in windbreaks.

Wildlife:

Excellent habitat. Flowers are a nectar-source for native birds, particularly honeyeaters such as the Eastern Spinebill. Many native moths and butterflies attracted. Foliage provides nesting sites for small birds including the Yellow-tufted Honeyeater.

Ornamental:

Attractive, popular ornamental for gardens and tubs. Prune to encourage bushiness.