Family: Proteaceae

Banksia baxteri, also known as Baxter’s banksia or bird’s nest banksia, is a striking shrub native to the southwestern coast of Australia. It’s best known for its large, rounded flower heads that resemble bright yellow or greenish bird nests, making it a favorite among gardeners looking for something unusual. The plant’s stiff, serrated leaves give it a bold texture, and its nectar-rich flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators, especially birds. In Hawaiʻi, it is occasionally grown as an ornamental in drier, well-drained landscapes where it can thrive with plenty of sun.

While this species adds color and wildlife value to gardens, it has not shown invasive tendencies in Hawaiʻi. Banksia baxteri does best in controlled, cultivated settings and doesn’t spread aggressively. Still, like with all non-native plants, thoughtful placement and responsible disposal of yard waste help protect our natural ecosystems. Gardeners who enjoy unique, bird-attracting shrubs may find this species a rewarding but manageable addition to their landscape.

High Risk Traits:

• Other Banksia species have become invasive
  
• From fire prone ecosystems and may increase fire risk
  
• Reported to form thickets in native range
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Self-compatible
  
• May reach reproductive maturity in 2+ years
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind and intentionally by people
  
• Forms canopy stored seed bank (serotiny)

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but limited evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Ornamental
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Seeds relatively large and unlikely to be inadvertently dispersed
  
• Does not tolerate fire or heavy pruning