Waratah
The beautiful waratah is not only the NSW floral emblem, it's also one of the best-known Australian native plants. This iconic Australian bush flower can be found on sandstone ridges around Sydney, in nearby mountain ranges and on the NSW South Coast. The waratah has a vibrant crimson flowerhead, measuring up to 15cm across, and blossoms in spring.
Read more about Waratah
The waratah is a beautiful yet hardy flowering bush. There are 5 species of this native Australian plant, of which several are only found in NSW. The iconic waratah grows in forest understorey, on sandstone ridges and can be found from Gibraltar Range in the north of NSW to Lake Conjola in the south.
Growing to a maximum height of 4m, this shrub has dark-green leathery serrated leaves. It produces magnificent crimson flower heads and similarly red-coloured outer petals, known as bracts.
Plant facts
- Common name
- Waratah
- Scientific name
- Telopea speciosissima
- Conservation status in NSW
- Protected
Parks in which this plant is found
- Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Brisbane Water National Park
- Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area
- Glenbrook area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Lower Grose Valley area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Monga National Park
- Mount Wilson area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Muogamarra Nature Reserve
- Royal National Park