Alectryon oleifolius
tree

Western Rosewood, Inland Rosewood, Bullock Bush, Cattle Bush, Boonaree, Boneree, Minra, Dogwood, Jiggo, Bush Minga, Applebush, Red Heart

Alectryon oleifolius

The Story

Plant Bio

Alectryon oleifolius, commonly known as western rosewood, is a slow-growing evergreen tree native to arid and semi-arid inland Australia, reaching five to nine metres in height with a neat, spreading crown and weeping branches. The narrow, grey-green leaves are simple and alternate, while the inconspicuous cream to greenish flowers lack petals and form in small panicles from winter through to late spring.

New growth is distinguished by a dense covering of fine, silky hairs, which matures to a smooth grey-green texture. The species is exceptionally long-lived, often surviving for over a century, and produces remarkably dense, heavy timber.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesFeatures a neat, rounded crown with elegant weeping foliage and a highly attractive, dense habit.
Practical UsesYields exceptionally dense, heavy timber and serves as an effective windbreak or shelterbelt in arid regions.
Ecological BenefitsProvides vital shade, shelter, and foliage browse for native wildlife in harsh inland environments, while flowers support generalist pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

354 inches

Width

197 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Over 100 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a planting site in full sun with deep, well-drained soil, preferably loam, clay, or sand with a neutral to alkaline pH.
  2. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits at the same soil level as it did in the container.
  3. Install a sturdy tree guard or fencing around the young plant immediately to protect it from grazing rabbits and livestock.
  4. Water deeply to settle the soil, then provide occasional deep watering during the first summer to assist root establishment.

Pro Tip

Protect young plants from grazing pressure during establishment, and avoid pruning into old wood as recovery is exceptionally slow.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Protect young seedlings from grazing animals with robust guards.
  • Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
  • Water deeply but infrequently during the first two years to encourage deep root systems.

Don't

  • Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood, as regrowth is extremely slow.
  • Do not overwater or plant in waterlogged, poorly drained soils.
  • Do not disturb the root system unnecessarily during planting.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade tree for arid zonesWindbreakShelterbeltSpecimen planting

Companion Plants

Senna artemisioidesMaireana sedifoliaAtriplex nummularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Western Rosewood, Inland Rosewood, Bullock Bush, Cattle Bush, Boonaree, Boneree, Minra, Dogwood, Jiggo, Bush Minga, Applebush, Red Heart questions

What zones can Western Rosewood, Inland Rosewood, Bullock Bush, Cattle Bush, Boonaree, Boneree, Minra, Dogwood, Jiggo, Bush Minga, Applebush, Red Heart grow in?

Western Rosewood, Inland Rosewood, Bullock Bush, Cattle Bush, Boonaree, Boneree, Minra, Dogwood, Jiggo, Bush Minga, Applebush, Red Heart is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Western Rosewood, Inland Rosewood, Bullock Bush, Cattle Bush, Boonaree, Boneree, Minra, Dogwood, Jiggo, Bush Minga, Applebush, Red Heart bloom?

Western Rosewood, Inland Rosewood, Bullock Bush, Cattle Bush, Boonaree, Boneree, Minra, Dogwood, Jiggo, Bush Minga, Applebush, Red Heart typically blooms in winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Western Rosewood, Inland Rosewood, Bullock Bush, Cattle Bush, Boonaree, Boneree, Minra, Dogwood, Jiggo, Bush Minga, Applebush, Red Heart need full sun?

Western Rosewood, Inland Rosewood, Bullock Bush, Cattle Bush, Boonaree, Boneree, Minra, Dogwood, Jiggo, Bush Minga, Applebush, Red Heart does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Western Rosewood, Inland Rosewood, Bullock Bush, Cattle Bush, Boonaree, Boneree, Minra, Dogwood, Jiggo, Bush Minga, Applebush, Red Heart drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Western Rosewood, Inland Rosewood, Bullock Bush, Cattle Bush, Boonaree, Boneree, Minra, Dogwood, Jiggo, Bush Minga, Applebush, Red Heart handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Grow Western Rosewood, Inland Rosewood, Bullock Bush, Cattle Bush, Boonaree, Boneree, Minra, Dogwood, Jiggo, Bush Minga, Applebush, Red Heart 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.

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