Silky Hakea
Hakea sericea
NEMBA: Category 1b
English: Silky Hakea, Needlebush
Afrikaans: Syerige hakea
Hakea sericea, commonly known as the Silky Hakea or Needlebush, is a woody evergreen shrub or small tree that typically grows to 3-7 meters in height. It is characterised by its needle-like leaves (about 2-4 cm long) and distinctive woody fruit capsules. The plant produces small white flowers in clusters, followed by thick, woody follicles that contain two black winged seeds.
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Origins: Australia (Southwestern Australia)
Overall Appearance: A dense, spiny shrub with a rounded to spreading habit from 1-4 meters tall.
Leaves: Small, needle-like leaves, 1-3 cm long, covered in silvery-grey hairs.
Flowers: Small, white to cream-colored flowers arranged in dense clusters in spring and summer.
Fruits: Woody, cone-shaped follicles containing 1-2 winged seeds.
Seeds: Winged seeds easily dispersed by wind.
Bark: Greyish-brown, rough bark.
Wood: Hard, dense wood.
Soil Type: Tolerates a wide range of soil types.
Aspect: Full sun to partial shade.
Provinces Affected: Widespread in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
Note: Needle Bush is a highly invasive species in South Africa. It forms dense thickets that displace native vegetation, alter fire regimes, and reduce biodiversity. It is particularly problematic in fynbos and coastal ecosystems.
Friendly alternatives:
Albany Sumach
Rhoiacarpos capensis
Plant type:
Shrub
Plant family:
Plant family (derivation)