Oak-Leaved Banksia

Banksia quercifolia is a shrub that typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 3 m (1 ft 8 in to 9 ft 10 in). It does not form a lignotuber. It has smooth, greenish brown bark that becomes lightly tessellated and grey as it ages. It has wavy, serrated, narrow wedge-shaped leaves 30–150 mm (1.2–5.9 in) long and 10–40 mm (0.39–1.57 in) wide on a petiole 1–4 mm (0.039–0.157 in) long. The flowers are arranged in a cylindrical spike 20–100 mm (0.79–3.94 in) long and 35–45 mm (1.4–1.8 in) wide when the flowers open. The flowers are yellow, orange or brown with the perianth 23–27 mm (0.91–1.06 in) long and a stiff, gently curved pistil 17–21 mm (0.67–0.83 in) long. Flowering occurs from March to November and up to thirty-five follicles develop in each head surrounded by the remains of the flowers. The follicles are broadly linear and wavy, 15–20 mm (0.59–0.79 in) long, 11–15 mm (0.43–0.59 in) high and 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) wide.

Oak-leaved banksia occurs on the south coast of Western Australia from D'Entrecasteaux National Park in the west to Mount Manypeaks in the east where it is commonly grows in depressions, seasonally wet flats and along the margins of swamps, in white or grey peaty sandy soils.

An assessment of the potential impact of climate change on this species found that its range is likely to contract by between 50% and 80% by 2080, depending on the severity of the change.

Banksia quercifolia is a fast-growing, bushy shrub that flowers within five years from seed. The flowers are sometimes hidden but are numerous and persist for many years. Because of its natural habitat, it may tolerate more moisture than other banksias. Seeds do not require any treatment, and take 25 to 40 days to germinate.