Family: Proteaceae

Banksia ericifolia, known as heath banksia or heath-leaf banksia, is an Australian shrub valued elsewhere for its tall, orange flower spikes and drought tolerance. Although it is not currently naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it has naturalized in other parts of the world, showing an ability to spread outside cultivation under the right conditions. Its success in dry, nutrient-poor soils—combined with its tendency to produce large numbers of seeds that are released after disturbance—suggests it could establish in Hawaiʻi if introduced to suitable environments.

This species also forms dense stands, grows quickly, and can outcompete other vegetation, especially in fire-prone or open, disturbed areas. These high-risk traits raise concern that, if it were to establish in Hawaiʻi, it could displace native plants, alter habitat structure, and add to fuel loads that influence fire behavior. For these reasons, Banksia ericifolia is not recommended for planting in Hawaiʻi. Gardeners can protect Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems by choosing low-risk alternatives which provide color and wildlife value without the threat of invasion.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in New Zealand and South Africa
  
• Broad climate suitability
  
• Other Banksia species have become invasive
  
• From fire prone ecosystems and may increase fire risk
  
• Forms dense, monotypic stands
  
• May hybridize with Banksia spinulosa
  
• Possesses limited self-compatibility
  
• Wind-dispersed seeds
  
• Forms canopy stored seed bank (serotiny)

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value (showy flowers)
  
• Attracts birds and other wildlife
  
• Not known to spread vegetatively
  
• Killed by fires and will not resprout after cutting