The Story
Plant Bio
Macrozamia communis, commonly known as the burrawang, is a slow-growing, palm-like cycad endemic to eastern New South Wales. It develops a massive, mostly subterranean woody trunk topped by a symmetrical crown of fifty to one hundred stiff, glossy dark green fronds.
This species is distinguished by its flat, rigid pinnae that narrow at the base with a distinct patch of yellowish tissue at the point of attachment to the rachis. The lower leaflets are reduced to sharp spines, and mature female plants produce massive, barrel-shaped cones containing large seeds with a bright scarlet outer layer.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
79 inches
Width
153 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Long-lived (over 100 years)
Native To
Eastern New South Wales, Australia
Toxicity
Highly toxic to humans and livestock if ingested
Bloom period
Spring – Summer
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with highly permeable, sandy or gravelly soil.
- Excavate a hole twice the width of the root ball and backfill with native soil, ensuring the subterranean trunk is positioned at its original nursery depth.
- Water in thoroughly to settle the soil, then restrict watering to periods of prolonged dry weather once established.
- Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly in early spring to support the slow emergence of new fronds.
Pro Tip
Plant in coarse, gravelly or sandy loam with flawless drainage, as any water retention around the subterranean caudex rapidly induces fatal Phytophthora root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent waterlogging around the root system.
- Wear heavy gloves when handling the plant to protect against the sharp spine-modified lower leaflets.
- Remove only completely dead, brown lower leaves close to the base of the crown.
Don't
- Do not prune into old, leafless woody trunk tissue or cut off functional green fronds.
- Do not plant in heavy clay soils without substantial drainage amendments.
- Do not allow children or livestock access to the highly toxic raw seeds.
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
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Burrawang questions
What zones can Burrawang grow in?
Burrawang 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 Burrawang bloom?
Burrawang typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Burrawang need full sun?
Burrawang does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Burrawang drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Burrawang handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Macrozamia to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Burrawang with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.