50 Amazing Australian Native Flowers and Plants (2024)

Australia is home to a variety of beautiful and unique flora and fauna. As such, some of Australia’s flowers and plants are now grown worldwide as ornamental plants. In this article, I’ll explore 50 of the most amazing Australian native flowers and plants.

Australia’s Native Range & Growing Zones

Australia is situated in the Southern Hemisphere and is the smallest continent in the world. Australia contains several climates and habitats, including tropical rainforests, deserts, and the Outback.

Australia’s climate zones correspond to USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 11. Most of the continent sits within Zones 9 to 11. As such, most of Australia’s native plants thrive in warm climates and struggle in cold temperatures.

How are Australia’s Native Flowers Defined?

Australia’s native flowers are defined as plants that grew on the continent before the arrival of European explorers. Many native plants were used as food or medicine by native Aboriginal peoples. However, many non-native species brought over by European settlers have since become naturalized or invasive in Australia.

50 Types of Native Australian Flowers and Plants:

1) Australian Bluebell

Australian bluebells are beautiful herbaceous perennials from the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). These widespread wildflowers are found throughout Australia except for the Northern Territory. Australian bluebells typically grow in loose, well-draining soils along roadsides.

Australian bluebells grow in clumps of slender, grass-like leaves and narrow flower stems. Plus, the stems are topped with pale blue bell-shaped flowers with five petals in spring and summer.

2) Australian Violet

Australian violets are low-growing plants that are often overlooked in favor of other types of violets. These herbaceous perennials belong to the Violaceae family. Australian violets grow in parts of Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia.

These charming wildflowers have leathery dark green leaves similar to ivy leaves. Australian violets bloom from spring until fall, producing pale blue flowers with dark blue centers.

3) Banksia

Banksia shrubs are a group of approximately 170 species from the Proteaceae family. These shrubs and trees thrive in arid shrublands and forests throughout Australia.

Banksia shrubs are highly variable between species. That said, all Banksia plants have serrated margins on their leaves. Banksia plants are known for their distinctive yellowish-green flower spikes. What’s more, each spike contains hundreds of flowers that can also be pink, orange, or red.

4) Billy Buttons

Billy buttons flowers are some of my favorite native Australian flowers. These charming herbaceous annuals or perennials come from the aster or daisy family (Asteraceae).

Billy buttons flowers grow in clumps of grayish-green leaves that are covered in wooly hairs. These plants have yellow globe-like flower heads that look similar to golf balls. In addition, these colorful flowers can bloom throughout the year in warm areas.

5) Blueberry Lily

Also known as blue flax-lilies, blueberry lilies are herbaceous perennials from the Asphodelaceae family. As such, they aren’t actually related to true lilies. Blueberry lilies grow throughout most of Australia, apart from the Northern Territory.

Blueberry lilies have grass-like leaves and short flower stems. From spring until summer, these stems bear blue or purple flowers with yellow stamens and black anthers.

6) Boronia

Boronia shrubs are a group of approximately 160 shrubs that are native to Australia and New Caledonia. These plants come from the citrus or rue family (Rutaceae). Boronia shrubs are popular spring ornamentals in USDA Zones 9 to 11.

These Australian native shrubs have compound leaves consisting of approximately 19 leaflets. During the spring, Boronia shrubs produce maroon flowers with four sepals, four petals, and a central cluster of yellow stamens.

7) Bottlebrush

Bottlebrushes are vibrant shrubs that are native to temperate parts of Australia. These colorful shrubs come from the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). Bottlebrushes work brilliantly as ornamental shrubs in warm climates.

When crushed, these Australian native flowers have grayish-green lance-shaped leaves that produce a citrus-like scent. Callistemon shrubs have colorful flower spikes that resemble bottlebrushes. The flowers come in shades of red, pink, orange, and white.

8) Christmas Bells

Christmas bells are colorful herbaceous perennials known for their vibrant flowers. These plants produce tubular red flowers with yellow tips in spring and summer. These plants also grow in clumps of stiff, grass-like leaves.

Christmas bells are native to parts of New South Wales in southeastern Australia. These plants thrive in swamps and prefer moist, sandy soils.

9) co*ckies Tongue

Also known as coral bushes, co*ckies tongue plants are evergreen shrubs from the legume or pea family (Fabaceae). These colorful shrubs are native to southern and southwestern parts of Australia. co*ckies tongue shrubs thrive in coastal woodland habitats.

co*ckies tongue shrubs have an upright growth habit and grayish-green oblong leaves. From late winter to spring, these shrubs produce bright red pea-like flowers.

10) Crowea

Also known as waxflowers, crowea plants are attractive evergreen shrubs from the citrus family. Although the Crowea genus only contains three species, several cultivars also exist. These plants are native throughout New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia.

These Australian native flowers have smooth, aromatic leaves that are used to produce essential oils. Crowea shrubs also produce pink star-shaped flowers with five petals and five sepals.

11) Desert Rose

Also known as Australian cotton or cotton rosebushes, these woody shrubs are mallow family members (Malvaceae). Desert rose shrubs are native throughout Australia and are the official floral symbols of the Northern Territory.

Desert rose shrubs have dark green leaves that are either ovate or rounded. These shrubs have pinkish-purple flowers with dark red centers. Interestingly, these shrubs can live for approximately ten years.

12) Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees are some of the most famous native Australian plants. These impressive trees produce eucalyptus oil, which has several uses. Eucalyptus trees come from the Myrtle family and are found throughout Australia.

Eucalyptus trees can have smooth or stringy bark that forms a new layer yearly. The old bark is then shed, creating an attractive appearance. Eucalyptus trees have lanceolate leaves and fluffy cream, white, or yellow flowers.

13) Finger Lime

Also known as caviar limes, finger limes are native Australian trees that can be grown for their fruits. Finger limes have elongated lime-like fruits that contain small spheres filled with juice.

These trees come from the citrus family and are native to Queensland and New South Wales. Finger lime trees have small, smooth leaves and white flowers in spring and summer.

14) Firewheel Tree

Firewheel trees are tropical trees from the Proteaceae family native to Queensland and New South Wales. Thanks to their colorful flowers, these vibrant trees are often used in ornamental landscaping.

Firewheel trees have attractive grayish-brown bark and simple or pinnate leaves with wavy margins. Each leaf can grow up to 8 inches long. During the summer, firewheel trees produce umbel-like clusters of vibrant red flowers.

15) Flannel Flower

Flannel flowers are herbaceous shrubs from the carrot or parsley family (Apiaceae). These Australian wildflowers are native to the shrubland habitats around Sydney in New South Wales.

These native Australian flowers have pale gray branches and lobed leaves. The leaves are covered in fine hairs that feel similar to flannel fabric. During the spring and summer, these plants produce white daisy-like flowers with lobed creamy-white bracts.

16) Geraldton Waxflower

Geraldton waxflowers are upright evergreen shrubs from the Myrtle family. These attractive shrubs are native to parts of Western Australia. It’s a popular ornamental plant in Australia and thrives in Zones 9 to 11.

These native Australian plants have upright stems covered in needle-like leaves that have hooked tips. These waxflowers also produce clusters of pink or white flowers. These flowers have a long blooming season.

17) Golden Wattle

Golden wattle trees have been the official floral emblem of Australia since 1988. These colorful trees grow throughout the southeastern parts of Australia. Golden wattle trees belong to the legume or pea family.

I love that these trees have smooth, grayish-brown bark and glossy, dark-green leaves. During the blooming season, these trees produce racemes bearing between 40 and 80 bright yellow globe-like flowers.

18) Grass Tree

Grass trees are unusual perennials from the Asphodelaceae family. These fascinating plants are found throughout Australia but are more common in northeastern areas.

Grass trees produce large clumps of arching, grass-like leaves. The main stems grow within these tussocks but can take up to twenty years to become visible. These stems also produce tall flower spikes called scapes.

19) Grevillea

Grevillea flowers are more commonly known as spider flowers. These evergreen shrubs or small trees belong to the Proteaceae family. Most grevillea species are native to Australia, although some also grow in New Caledonia and New Guinea.

These native Australian shrubs have compound or needle-like leaves. These attractive shrubs produce clusters of unique, spider-like flowers with arching stamens. These flowers come in shades of pink, orange, red, and yellow.

20) Hairpin Banksia

Hairpin banksias are a type of banksia that grows in eastern parts of Australia. These Australian plants come from the Proteaceae family. These woody shrubs are common understorey plants in dry woodland habitats.

Hairpin banksias have grayish-brown bark peppered with horizontal lenticels. These banksias also have narrow, strap-like leaves with serrated edges. What’s more, Hairpin banksias have large orange or yellow flower spikes that can contain thousands of tiny flowers.

21) Illawarra Flame Tree

Also known as lacebark trees, Illawarra flame trees are stunning trees from the mallow family. These deciduous trees are native to Australia’s eastern coast. Illawarra flame trees are popular ornamental trees thanks to their vibrant flowers.

Illawarra flame trees have smooth, grayish-green trunks and glossy green ovate leaves. In spring and summer, these trees erupt with large panicles of bright red bell-shaped flowers.

22) Kangaroo Paw

Kangaroo paws are some of my favorite native Australian flowers. These fantastic perennials come from the bloodroot family (Haemodoraceae). Kangaroo paws thrive in arid, sandy soils across southwestern Australia.

Kangaroo paws produce basal rosettes of grayish-green grass-like leaves that may be hairy. These perennials also have long, leafless stems topped with racemes of tubular, hairy flowers.

23) Macadamia

Also known as bush nut trees, macadamia trees come from the Proteaceae family. These medium-sized trees also produce edible nuts that may provide several health benefits. Macadamia trees are native to parts of Queensland and New South Wales.

Macadamia trees have glossy, oblong leaves with wavy margins and pink or white flowers. These flowers are followed by brown or green fruits containing macadamia nuts.

24) Mountain Devil

Mountain devil shrubs are members of the Proteaceae family known for their nectar-rich flowers. These flowers consist of several greenish-red bracts and reddish-pink florets. Mountain devil shrubs grow from swollen woody crowns known as lignotubers.

Mountain devil shrubs also have whorls of stiff, oblong leaves. These shrubs are native to parts of New South Wales and thrive in open woodlands or heathlands.

25) Native Frangipani

Also known as sweetshade trees, native frangipani trees are semi-deciduous members of the Pittosporaceae family. These trees are native to parts of New South Wales and Queensland.

Native frangipani trees have dark green, glossy, egg-shaped leaves. These trees have large, creamy-yellow tubular flowers in spring and summer. These flowers produce a spicy, sweet scent similar to true frangipani flowers.

26) Native Fuchsia

Native fuchsia shrubs are highly variable plants from the citrus family (Rutaceae). These plants are native throughout Australia but also thrive in Zones 9 to 11. Native fuchsia shrubs can be low-growing prostrate plants or upright shrubs.

These native Australian shrubs have oval-shaped leaves that are covered with short hairs. The leaves also have distinctive oil glands. Native fuchsia shrubs also produce tubular pink or pale green flowers with yellowish-green tips.

27) Native Rosella

Also known as toilet paper bushes, native rosella shrubs are native to parts of New South Wales and Queensland. Native rosella shrubs belong to the mallow family.

Native rosella shrubs have smooth stems covered with prickles. The leaves are either egg-shaped or oval-shaped. Native rosella shrubs also have large, colorful flowers with red centers. Plus, these flowers come in shades of pink, white, or yellow.

28) Parrot Pea

Parrot pea flowers are colorful shrubs from the legume or pea family. These shrubs are native throughout much of Australia except for the Northern Territory. The Dillwynia genus contains approximately 20 species.

Parrot pea flowers have simple, slender, needle-like leaves. In spring, these shrubs produce red or yellow pea-like flowers with distinctive keels and wings.

29) Pink Mulla Mulla

Pink mulla mulla flowers are herbaceous annuals or perennials from the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). These flowers are widespread throughout Australia, apart from arid parts of the southern regions.

These native Australian flowers grow in clumps of fleshy, grayish-green elliptical leaves. These plants also have silvery-gray flower spikes that gradually turn pink. The flowers have a long blooming season from winter to summer.

30) Purple Coral Pea

Purple coral pea plants are spreading or climbing sub-shrubs from the legume or pea family. In Australia, these plants are also known as false sarsaparilla. Purple coral pea plants are widespread in eastern and southern parts of Australia.

These colorful sub-shrubs have leathery egg-shaped or lance-shaped leaves. Purple coral pea plants also produce dense clusters of pinkish-purple bell-shaped flowers.

31) Rock Orchid

Also known as cane orchids, rock orchids grow as epiphytes attached to trees or as lithophytes growing on rocks. Rock orchids are native to Australia’s eastern coast.

Rock orchids have several pseudobulbs that each produce thick, fleshy leaves. Each leaf can last up to 12 years. From late winter until spring, these orchids produce racemes of pink flowers with reddish-purple spots.

32) Silky Oak

Silky oak trees are tall evergreen trees from the Proteaceae family. Despite their common name, these trees are unrelated to true oak trees. Silky oak trees are native to parts of New South Wales and Queensland.

These attractive Autralian trees have furrowed, dark gray bark and long, fern-like leaves. Silky oak trees also have yellow or orange flowers that develop into silky follicle-like fruits.

33) Slender Rice Flower

Slender rice flowers are variable shrubs from the Thymelaeaceae family. These shrubs are native to wet woodlands and rainforests across eastern Australia.

Slender rice flowers grow as prostrate or upright shrubs with elliptical or egg-shaped leaves. During the spring, these shrubs produce terminal tubular white or pink flower clusters. Each cluster can contain up to 60 individual flowers.

34) Snake Vine

Also known as climbing guinea flowers, snake vines are native to eastern parts of Australia. These climbing vines have egg-shaped or lance-shaped leaves with hairy undersides and bright yellow flowers.

These native Australian plants are members of the Dilleniaceae family that thrive in open forests and sand dunes near the coast. The flowers have an odd, unpleasant fragrance similar to animal urine.

35) Snow Daisy

I love snow daisies thanks to their colorful flowers and spreading habit. These herbaceous plants are frequently grown as annuals. As their name suggests, snow daisies belong to the daisy family (Asteraceae).

Snow daisies grow in clumps of lanceolate leaves and produce daisy-like flowers from summer to fall. What’s more, these flowers have yellow central florets and come in mauve, pink, and white shades.

36) Snowy River Wattle

Snowy River wattle shrubs are endemic to the area around the Snowy River in southeastern Australia. These elegant, colorful shrubs belong to the Fabaceae family.

Acacia boormanii shrubs have a rounded appearance with silvery-white branches and grayish-green leaves. These shrubs also have panicles of bright yellow globe-like flowers and bloom for four to six weeks in late winter to spring.

37) Spinifex

Also known as porcupine grass, spinifex plants are members of the grass family (Poaceae). These grasses are found throughout Australia and were extensively used by native Aboriginal peoples. Spinifex plants thrive in arid or semi-arid habitats.

These native Australian plants form tussocks of grayish-green awl-shaped leaves with tapered points. As these grasses age, the roots in the center die out. As such, spinifex grasses produce ring-like formations.

38) Strawflower

I love using strawflowers in my summer displays. These herbaceous perennials belong to the daisy family and are native throughout Australia. Strawflowers also thrive in Zones 8 to 11.

Strawflowers have rough, hairy stems and lanceolate or elliptical leaves covered in fine hairs. From summer until fall, strawflowers produce yellow flowers with stiff, papery bracts surrounding a central floret.

39) Sturt’s Desert Pea

Sturt’s desert pea flowers are some of Australia’s most unusual native flowers. These wildflowers grow in clumps of grayish-green pinnate leaves. These plants have deep red flowers, vertical petals, and glossy black bosses in the center.

Sturt’s desert peas belong to the legume family and thrive in arid conditions. These wildflowers are native throughout most of Australia except for Victoria.

40) Sundew

Sundews are a large group of carnivorous plants from the Droseraceae family. Australia is home to several species of sundews. However, these plants prefer moist, wetland habitats and are absent from arid regions.

Sundews are herbaceous perennials that can live for up to 50 years. Some form basal rosettes, while others have a climbing habit. Interestingly, Sundews trap insects using sticky tentacles on their leaves before slowly digesting their prey.

41) Swamp Lily

Also known as river lilies, swamp lilies are bulbous perennials from the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). As such, they aren’t related to true lilies. These plants are native to parts of Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory.

These native Australian plants grow in clumps of dark green lance-shaped leaves. During the summer, swamp lilies produce dense umbels packed with up to 100 white flowers with long petals.

42) Tea Tree

Tea trees are probably some of Australia’s most famous native plants. The aromatic, spongy leaves produce tea tree oil, which can have several health benefits. Tea trees belong to the Myrtle family and are found throughout Australia.

Most tea trees have thin, papery bark that peels off in sheets. However, some species have thicker, rougher bark. Tea trees also produce flower spikes packed with small creamy-white, mauve, red, or yellow flowers.

43) Wallum Banksia

Wallum banksias are attractive shrubs or small trees from the Proteaceae family. These banksias thrive in sandy, nutrient-poor soils. Wallum banksias are native to parts of Queensland and New South Wales.

Wallum banksias have gnarled or wrinkled orange-brown bark and glossy green egg-shaped leaves with serrated margins. During the fall, these banksias produce terminal spikes or yellowish-green flowers that gradually turn gray as they age.

44) Waratah

Waratah shrubs are the official floral symbol of New South Wales, where these shrubs are endemic. Waratah shrubs belong to the Proteaceae family and are popular as ornamental shrubs or cut flowers.

These native Australian shrubs emerge from swollen woody bases and have an upright habit. These shrubs have dark green leaves with toothed margins. During the spring, waratah shrubs produce domed flower heads packed with up to 250 red flowers.

45) Wattle

Commonly known as acacias, wattles are some of Australia’s most famous native trees. Acacias belong to the legume or pea family and form dense forests across Australia.

Wattle trees have deciduous or evergreen fern-like leaves that are divided into several oblong leaflets. From late winter until spring, wattle trees produce small yellow or white flower clusters. These flowers have a strong fragrance similar to honey or cloves.

46) Waxflower

Philotheca flowers are another type of native Australian flower known as waxflowers. These shrubs come from the citrus family. Today, are found throughout most parts of Australia except for the Northern Territory.

These native Australian plants produce clusters of pink or white star-shaped flowers in late winter and spring with several inwardly curving stamens. Interestingly, Philotheca shrubs also have oblong leaves that may have fine hairs.

47) Wild Iris

Also known as purple flag irises, wild irises are some of Australia’s most vibrant native flowers. These irises are native to coastal forests in the eastern parts of Australia.

Wild irises grow in clumps of lance-shaped grass-like leaves. Wild irises have gorgeous violet or purple flowers in spring and summer with three egg-shaped tepals. Interestingly, each flower only lasts for one day.

48) Wiry Bauera

Also known as dog roses or river roses, wiry bauera shrubs come from the Cunoniaceae family. These scrambling shrubs are native to southeastern parts of Australia. Wiry bauera shrubs are also found in Tasmania.

Wiry bauera shrubs form tangled thickets of woody, wiry stems and branches. These shrubs have trifoliate leaves consisting of three elliptical leaflets. Plus, these shrubs also have white or pink flowers.

49) Wooly Grevillea

Wooly grevillea shrubs are a species of grevillea native to southeastern regions of Australia. These attractive shrubs belong to the Proteaceae family and thrive in Zones 8 to 11.

Wooly grevilleas have a spreading or rounded habit. These shrubs have narrow oblong leaves with hairy undersides. From late winter until spring, wooly grevilleas produce clusters of creamy-white, pink, or red flowers.

50) Yellow Bloodwood

Yellow bloodwood trees are beautiful evergreen trees from the myrtle family. These trees are native to dry forests and sandstone plateaus in New South Wales. It is often used as a landscaping tree in Australia’s urban areas.

Yellow bloodwood trees have gnarled, mottled yellowish-brown bark that often flakes off. These trees also have thick, sickle-shaped leaves with prominent veins. During the spring, yellow bloodwood trees have panicles of creamy-yellow flowers

Native Australian Flowers and Plants FAQs:

Wrapping Up

Australia is teeming with beautiful and interesting native flowers and plants. Many of Australia’s native plants are now grown as ornamentals around the world. Some of the most famous native flowers include acacias, banksias, grevilleas, waxflowers. Other famous plants native to Australia include eucalyptus plants, macadamia trees, and tea tree plants.