Kingdom Plantae Family Asteraceae Genus Olearia | Order Asterales Tribe Astereae Rank Species | |
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Similar Daisy bush, Olearia covenyi, Olearia astroloba, Olearia floribunda, Olearia elliptica | ||
Olearia canescens is a shrub belonging to the family Asteraceae. Commonly known as Grey Olearia, Grey Daisy Bush or New England Daisy Bush, the species is endemic to Eastern Australia, growing in monsoon forests and drier rainforest types from North Queensland to northern New South Wales. O. canescens can grow as a woody shrub up to 6 metres in height, an unusual habit for a member of the daisy family. However it more commonly exists as a low shrub of 2 – 4 metres with only a slightly woody form.
The leaves are narrow. The underside of the leaves, petioles and new growth are covered in fine white hairs. Plants produce typical daisy-type flower heads, with the central flowers being primarily yellow, surrounded by white ligules. On cursory inspection this appears to be a flower 10–20 mm across, with a yellow centre and white petals.
O. canescens is grown as a drought-resistant, frost-hardy garden plant.