Silk Oak
Grevillea robusta
Also listed as Grevillea umbratica, Hakea robusta
Also known as Silky Oak, Australian Silky Oak, Australian Silver Oak
Climate Match for your location
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A tall, fast-growing evergreen tree native to Australia with feathery, fern-like foliage and showy golden-orange flower clusters. Excellent for screening, windbreaks, and creating tropical effects in warm climates; commonly used as an indoor houseplant in cooler regions.
Why grow it
Silk oak grows considerably faster than most other large screening trees suitable for warm climates, establishing height and visual density within a few years. The feathery foliage and prolific golden flowers distinguish it from typical windbreak species, offering both functional shelter and ornamental appeal. It tolerates poor, well-drained soils where many fast-growing alternatives struggle, making it practical for marginal sites where other trees require soil amendment.
Watch out for
Indoor specimens require consistent bright, indirect light and careful watering to prevent root rot in container conditions. Growth can become leggy or uneven if light conditions change significantly, particularly when transitioning between indoor and outdoor environments. Container-grown plants may take several years to flower reliably compared to field-grown specimens.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Proteaceae
Native Range
Eastern Australia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Moonlight' is a popular cultivar with bright golden-yellow foliage; 'Silky Oak' is the standard form prized for its elegant fern-like leaves and prolific flowering.
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A tall, fast-growing evergreen tree native to Australia with feathery, fern-like foliage and showy golden-orange flower clusters. Excellent for screening, windbreaks, and creating tropical effects in warm climates; commonly used as an indoor houseplant in cooler regions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Silk Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Silk oak grows considerably faster than most other large screening trees suitable for warm climates, establishing height and visual density within a few years. The feathery foliage and prolific golden flowers distinguish it from typical windbreak species, offering both functional shelter and ornamental appeal. It tolerates poor, well-drained soils where many fast-growing alternatives struggle, making it practical for marginal sites where other trees require soil amendment.
Watch out for
Indoor specimens require consistent bright, indirect light and careful watering to prevent root rot in container conditions. Growth can become leggy or uneven if light conditions change significantly, particularly when transitioning between indoor and outdoor environments. Container-grown plants may take several years to flower reliably compared to field-grown specimens.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Proteaceae
Native Range
Eastern Australia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Moonlight' is a popular cultivar with bright golden-yellow foliage; 'Silky Oak' is the standard form prized for its elegant fern-like leaves and prolific flowering.