Native Tree Species to Attract Birds and Fauna in Brisbane

Attracting Native Birds & Fauna to your Brisbane Home

The top Bird friendly native species to plant in Brisbane are.

Spotted Gum (Corymbia citriodora)
Swamp Bloodwood (Corymbia ptychocarpa)
Moreton Bay Ash (Corymbia tessellaris)
Flame Kurrajong (Brachychiton acerifolus)
Bottle Brush (Callistemon sp.)
Paper Bark (Melaleuca sp.)

In my twenty years of being a certified and practising arborist, I have visited many amazing properties in the Brisbane and greater area.

Brisbane tree keepers and gardeners alike have often asked me about my recommendations for fauna and bird-friendly native trees and plants.

I’ll generally respond by asking them to observe what native plants would be endemic or native to their area of Brisbane.

However, Brisbane is one of the world’s greenest and most forested cities, so some guidance is usually required.

Nick Smith Arborist

Top Five Native Bird Attracting Tree Species Brisbane

For instance, a Corymbia citriodora or Spotted Gum is a very popular tree for native parrots, such as Rainbow Lorikeets, Cockatoos and Corellas and is certainly an endemic hardwood species. However, this species may not be suitable for smaller properties as this tree has the growth potential to be over 30 m tall at full maturity.

So other, more suitable bloodwoods could be considered. Such as Corymbia ptychocarpa or Swamp Bloodwood, with its vibrant flowers, large glossy leaves and barrel shaped gum nuts reminiscent of May Gibbs ‘Snuggle pot and Cuddle pie’.

Another option then and a personal favourite Brisbane tree of mine, is the Moreton Bay Ash or Corymbia tessellaris, with its iconic ‘gum tree’ form and fauna attracting attributes, only in a smaller and more manageable size.

The genus Brachychiton will offer a myriad of options suitable for mid-sized Brisbane properties. Brachychiton acerifolus or the Flame Kurrajong will delight in its seasonal explosion of red blooms, encouraging native stingless bees and native honeyeaters.

Attracting the Birds & Bees Brisbane

The bottle brush or Callistemon sp. and Melaleuca sp. will offer a vast and varying range of native options. This genus of groundcovers, shrubs and trees will guarantee a Brisbane Garden full of birds and bees. While most species are suitable for small gardens, some will require more space and consideration for potential growth. Any variation of the Callistemon viminalis will be readily available for planting this weekend. So pop off to your local native nursery.

So, if in doubt or seeking inspiration, simply take a walk around your neighbourhood, your parklands and botanical gardens and you will find the solution soon enough, just look at where all the feathery commotion is.

Better yet, contact an Evergreen Tree Care arborist for a reliable consultation.