Plant fact sheets

Discover our plant fact sheets highlighting native shrubs, grasses and trees of Sydney and NSW—such as banksias, paper-barks and grass-trees. Written for primary and secondary students and their teachers, these colourful resources explore plant anatomy, ecology, adaptations and their importance within local ecosystems.

Bracken fern fact sheet

A leafy fern that spreads across forest floors, providing shelter for small animals and helping recycle fallen leaves.

Grass tree fact sheet

A tall, black-trunked plant with a long flowering spike that survives fire and provides nectar for native animals.

Grey mangrove fact sheet

A coastal tree with thick roots in salt water that protects shorelines and offers habitat for marine creatures.

Hairpin banksia fact sheet

A native shrub or tree with distinctive long narrow leaves and wire-hair flowers that attract nectar-feeding birds and insects.

Kunzea fact sheet

A shrub with small leaves and white flowers that thrives in dry soils and supports many insects and birds.

Old man banksia fact sheet

A tree with massive flower spikes and cones that provide food and shelter for animals after bushfires.

Paper-bark tree fact sheet

A tree with peeling white bark and spreading branches that offers safe nesting hollows and food for many creatures.

Scribbly gum fact sheet

A smooth-barked gum tree with scribble markings from moths and a canopy that provides homes for birds and insects.

Swamp she-oak fact sheet

An Australian tree with long drooping branches that supports bird life.

Sydney peppermint fact sheet

A native eucalypt with a peppermint aroma, tough leaves and tree hollows that animals use for shelter.

Sydney red gum fact sheet

A fast-growing native gum tree with red-tinged bark and abundant nectar that supports birds and insects.