Spider flowers (Grevillea) fact sheet | Field of Mars EEC

What are spider flowers?

Spider flowers are native Australian shrubs in the genus Grevillea. They belong to the ancient plant family Proteaceae, the same family as banksias and waratahs. Spider flowers are common in bushland around Sydney, especially on sandy soils over sandstone. Their unusual flowers provide an important food source for insects and nectar-feeding birds.

Pink spider flower flowers have curled styles that give a spider shape.

Grey spider flower is a dense shrub found in eucalypt forests, heath and woodlands.

What do spider flowers look like?

Spider flowers are shrubs that usually grow between about half a metre and three metres tall, depending on the species and where they are growing. Their leaves are tough and narrow to oval in shape. Many species have small hairs on their leaves, which help reduce water loss in dry conditions.

The flowers are the most distinctive feature. What look like petals are actually long flower parts called styles that curl outward, giving the flower cluster a spidery appearance. The flowers are grouped together in curved or dome-shaped clusters and can be pink, red, white or greyish-cream, depending on the species.

Red spider flower has dome-shaped clusters that attract nectar feeders.

Which spider flowers grow in the Sydney region?

The Sydney Basin is home to several spider flower species.

The pink spider flower (Grevillea sericea) is a small to medium shrub with soft, narrow leaves and bright pink flowers. It can flower for much of the year, with a peak from late winter to early summer. It is commonly found in eucalypt forests and woodlands on sandstone soils.

The grey spider flower (Grevillea buxifolia) grows as a dense shrub with small, box-like leaves. Its flowers are usually greyish, cream or rusty-coloured and have a slightly woolly appearance. This species flowers mainly from spring to autumn and often grows in eucalypt forests, heath and woodlands.

The red spider flower (Grevillea speciosa) is known for its dome-shaped clusters of red or coral-pink flowers. It grows naturally in sandstone bushland, especially around the Central Coast and northern parts of the Sydney region. Flowering usually peaks in spring.

The white spider flower (Grevillea linearifolia) has long, narrow leaves and clusters of white flowers that may sometimes have a faint pink tinge. It grows in eucalypt forests and heath and typically flowers from late winter through spring.

White spider flower has narrow leaves and pale flower clusters.

Where do spider flowers grow?

Spider flowers grow naturally in eucalypt forests, woodlands and heath. They are especially common on sandy soils formed from Hawkesbury sandstone. These soils are low in nutrients, but spider flowers are well adapted to survive in these tough conditions. Their hard leaves and deep root systems help them cope with dry summers and periodic bushfires.

Spider flowers grow naturally in the Field of Mars Reserve and other Sydney sandstone bushland.

How do spider flowers reproduce?

After flowering, spider flowers produce a dry fruit called a follicle. When the fruit matures, it splits open to release one or two seeds. Many grevillea species respond well to fire. Fire can help trigger seed release or stimulate germination, allowing new plants to grow after bushland has burned.

Pollination occurs when insects and nectar-feeding birds visit the flowers. As they feed on nectar, pollen sticks to their bodies and is transferred from one flower to another, allowing fertilisation to occur.

Grevillea fruits are dry follicles that split open to release one or two seeds.

Why are spider flowers important?

Spider flowers are an important part of local ecosystems. Their nectar provides food for native bees, beetles and butterflies, as well as birds such as honeyeaters. In return, these animals assist with pollination.

Because they are native plants adapted to local soils and climate, spider flowers also play a role in maintaining healthy bushland communities. They provide shelter for small animals and help stabilise sandy soils.

Invertebrates such as butterflies feed on spider flower nectar and help transfer pollen between flowers.

How can we protect spider flowers?

We can help protect spider flowers and other native plants by staying on walking tracks in bushland, avoiding picking flowers, and supporting local bushcare activities. Planting locally native species in school or home gardens also helps provide habitat for wildlife and strengthens biodiversity in urban areas.

Related Fact Sheets

More plant fact sheets

• Scribbly gum fact sheet
• Sydney red gum fact sheet
• Bracken fern fact sheet
• Grass tree fact sheet

Habitats and environments with spider flowers

• Field of Mars Reserve fact sheet
• Eucalypt forest fact sheet
• Shrub habitats fact sheet

Animals that pollinate spider flowers

• Blue-banded bee fact sheet
• Sugarbag bee fact sheet

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