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.