University of Redlands

Common Name: Wilga; Australian Willow

Scientific Name: Geijera parviflora

Family: Rutaceae

Identification
Habit: Height ranges from 20-30 ft (6-9 m), spread is usually about 20 ft or 6 m (Figures 1 and 2).Full1.jpgFigure 1Full2.jpgFigure 2

Leaves: Medium green, linear to spear-shaped, drooping, narrow leaves range from 3-6 in (7.5-15 cm) long, and give off a strong scent when crushed (Figure 3).Leaves.jpgFigure 3

Twigs & Bark: Twigs thin, green and very flexible. Smooth to shallowly cracked, brown/gray bark (Figure 4).Bark.jpgFigure 4

Flowers & Fruits: Very small, greenish white, unpleasant to citrus-scented flowers, usually in clusters near the tip of the branch (Figure 5). Fruit a small green to brown capsule. No fruit or seed drops.Flowers.jpgFigure 5

Where It’s From
Native Range: found in parts of eastern Australia, from central-western New South Wales and Queensland and Victoria into South Australia. Not native in North America but grown mostly in the southern and western United States (Figure 6).Range.jpgFigure 6

Ecological Notes: Will grow best when there is full sun on moist but well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions. Attracts bees. No major problem with pests and diseases.

What We Use It For
Ornamental and useful for shade, usually found near decks and patios and along streets.

References

  • SelecTree. "Geijera parviflora Tree Record." 1995-2017. Dec 10, 2017. < http://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/geijera-parviflora >
  • “Australian Willow.” Friends of the Urban Forest, www.fuf.net/tree/australian-willow/.
  • Geijera parviflora.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geijera_parviflora
  • Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson. “Geijera parviflora: Australian-Willow.” EDIS New Publications RSS, Environmental Horticulture, 31 July 2014, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st272.
  • Geijera parviflora, Australian Willow.” Australian Willow - Tree Selection - Landscape Plants - Edward F. Gilman - UF/IFAS, hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody//Pages/geipar/geipar.shtml.
  • “Trees & Garden.” Pinterest, 10 Apr. 2015, www.pinterest.com/pin/274156696043219043/.

Biographer
Alyssa Lee, FYS 20: Plants in Our World, Fall 2017Biographer.jpg