TREES
FOR RIVER & CREEK PLANTINGS
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David McMinn
The
following species are suitable for planting along creeks and rivers, as they
help consolidate the creek/river banks against erosion. Two lists
are presented - the first gives those species that will grow in rocky creek beds or
along the embankments of rivers. They have fibrous root systems and usually thin
trunks making these species capable of withstanding strong flowing floods. The
second listing presents species with thick trunks and massive roots, which help
to consolidate the upper banks of rivers and creeks. Frost resistance needs to be
considered, as these plants
will usually need to grow on frosty creek flats and low points in the
topography. Initial plantings should consist of frost resistant species only. As
they grow and form a protective canopy, other more cold sensitive species may be
included in follow up plantings. All species are native to north-east NSW and
south east Queensland.
References
Lines-Kelly,
Rebecca & Currey, Anne (Eds). Trees for the NSW North Coast. NSW
Dept of Agriculture. 1992
Jones, David L. Rainforest Plants of Australia. Reed Books P/L.
1986.
Nicholson, Nan & Nicholson, Hugh. Australian Rainforest Plants. Vols I, II, III, IV & V. 1985-2000.
Radke,
Peter & Radke, Ann. Growing Australian Tropical Plants. Frith
& Frith Books. 1993.
| TREES SUITABLE FOR CREEK BEDS & STEEP RIVER BANKS | |||
| Tree Species | Height (m) |
Growth Rate |
Comments |
| Lilly Pilly Acmena smithii 'narrow-leaved form'. |
10 | Moderate. | The 'narrow-leaved from' of Acmena smithii is suitable for rocky creek beds, where it grows into a sprawling small tree with a coppiced habit and multi stems. It copes with wet soils (not sour), light frost and sun or shade. |
| Bangalow Palm Archontopheonix cunninghamii |
20 | Fast in wet soils | Can be quite fast growing in favourable moist/wet soils. May be swept away by floods when young. Takes some frost when established. |
| Weeping Bottlebrush Callistemon viminalis |
7-10 | Fast | Eucalyptus & rainforest. Grows to 6-10 metres. The beautiful red flowers are nectar bearing and attract birds. Frost hardy. |
| River Oak Casuarina cunninghamiana |
10-20 | Fast | Eucalypt forest. Largest of the casuarinas growing to over 20 metres. Fine textured leaves. |
| Swamp Oak Casuarina glauca |
10-12 |
Fast |
Associated with eucalyptus forest. Very adaptable as to soil type. |
| Blue Quandong Elaeocarpus grandis |
30 | Fast | Rainforest. Plant along permanent creeks or in moist sites (not swamps). This tree grows very rapidly and is ideal to establish a quick canopy to protect slower growing rainforest species. Can be setback by frost when young. |
| Creek Sandpaper Fig Ficus coronata |
3-10 | Fast | Rainforest. This is a small tree some only 8 to 10 metres tall and usually found along streams. Produces prolific quantities of fruit for wildlife. |
| Cabbage Palm Livistona australis |
20 | Moderate | Rainforest & wet eucalypt forest. May be slow to be become established. Quite frost tolerant even when young. |
| Brush Cherry Syzygium australe |
8 | Moderate | A widely distributed species, often found growing along creek banks. It is usually only about 3 - 4 m tall, but can reach 30 m under favourable conditions. Takes full sun or semi shade. Frost tolerant. |
| Water Gum Tristaniopsis laurina |
5-10 | Slow | Eucalypt & rainforest. Along creek banks, this species grows into old gnarled specimens after withstanding many floods. Excellent to prevent soil erosion. |
| Weeping Lilly Pilly Waterhousea florabunda |
12-18 | Moderate | Rainforest. Very attractive tree with semi weeping foliage. Likes plenty of water, but will not tolerate sour or poorly drained sites. Withstands a light frost. |
| TREES SUITABLE TO PLANT AT THE TOP OF RIVER BANKS | |||
| Tree | Height (m) |
Growth Rate |
Comments |
| Ash species Alphitonia species |
12 | Fast | Fast growing species for well drained sites. Excellent in initial plantings to create a quick canopy. Hardy in full sun and tolerant of cold conditions. |
| Black Bean Castanospermum australe |
8-15 | Moderate once established. | Eucalypt and rainforest. Pods & seeds poisonous to livestock. Valuable timber tree. |
| Rose Gum Eucalyptus grandis |
30-40 | Fast | Eucalypt forest. Very fast growing gum tree, which will quickly consolidate river banks. Needs well drained soils. |
| Moreton Bay Fig Ficus macrophylla White Fig Ficus virens |
15 | Moderate | Rainforest. The expansive root system is excellent for protecting stream/river banks from erosion. Needs plenty of room as they will grow into very large trees. Fruit provides forage for wildlife. |
| Silky Oak Grevillea robusta |
20-30 | Fast | Eucalypt and rainforest. The nectar rich flowers attract birds and fruit bats in September - October. Prime cabinet timber tree. |
| Brown Pine/Plum Pine Podocarpus elatus |
10-15 | Slow | Eucalypt and rainforest. Can be slow to become established. Prefers fertile moist soils. Good cabinet timber tree. |
| Copyright. © 2004. David McMinn. All rights reserved. | |||