tree

Beefwood

The Story

Plant Bio

Grevillea striata, commonly known as beefwood, is an evergreen Australian tree native to the arid and semi-arid inland regions. It develops a robust trunk with dark, heavily fissured, corky bark and a sparse, open crown of long, strap-like leaves.

This species is distinguished by its tough, linear leaves featuring five to thirteen prominent longitudinal ridges on their lower surfaces. During the warmer months, it produces terminal clusters of up to twelve cylindrical branches packed with cream-coloured flowers.

Uses & Benefits:

Features deeply fissured, architectural corky bark and long, weeping, strap-like foliage.

Functions as a highly drought-tolerant windbreak or shade tree in arid and semi-arid regions.

Provides a valuable nectar source for native bees, beneficial insects, and nectar-feeding birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Summer

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a planting site in full sun with deep, sandy, or gravelly soil that drains rapidly.
Dig a hole twice the width of the tube but no deeper, ensuring the plant sits at its original soil level.
Water the young tree thoroughly upon planting to settle the soil, then restrict watering to dry spells.
Apply a thick layer of coarse, chunky mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting this arid-adapted species in heavy, poorly drained soils or humid coastal climates, as excess moisture triggers fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a position that receives full, unobstructed sunlight all day.
Ensure the soil has excellent, rapid drainage to prevent root rot.
Use a specialised low-phosphorus fertiliser formulated specifically for native Proteaceae.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood as it fails to regenerate from dormant buds.
Do not plant in heavy clay soils or low-lying areas prone to waterlogging.
Do not over-fertilise, which can cause phosphorus toxicity and damage the root system.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Arid-zone shade treeWindbreak or shelterbeltSpecimen planting in large native gardens

Companion Plants

Acacia aneuraTriodia scariosa Eucalyptus coolabah

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Beefwood questions

What zones can Beefwood grow in?

Beefwood is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Beefwood bloom?

Beefwood typically blooms in winter through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Beefwood need full sun?

Beefwood does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Beefwood drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Beefwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.