Olearia ilicifolia

If you have ever wondered just how many pointy serrations could possibly fit on the edge of a leaf, then you'll just have to take a look at the grey-green leaves of this plant, which twist along their margins to hold as many points as possible. Even for all that, it still isn't truly prickly, and its scary black stems add more excitement. It tends to assume a broad shape to around 4' by 6' with a rather open habit of growth. Mature plants produce large heads of white daisy flowers in late spring. Not as tolerant of heavy soils as some Olearias, it requires a well-drained aspect in full sun (or close to it) to look best, and is moderately drought tolerant. Many growers have confused this species with O. macrodonta; here we promise you the real deal.