Native Plant of the Month: Red Ash

Red Ash (Alphitonia excelsa) occurs naturally over a large area of Australia, from southern NSW to Cape York Peninsula, in a variety of habitats from dry forest to rainforest.

The red ash is a fairly fast-growing, slender, upright tree, usually reaching up to 10m outside rainforest areas.

Leaves are glossy green above and white below. They are an important food source for a variety of leaf chewing insects which in turn are eaten by many native birds.

Scented cream-green flowers in summer-autumn are followed by dull black globular fruits, also eaten by many native birds, including the spectacular Regent Bowerbird.

The red ash prefers well-drained soil and will tolerate moderate frost.

Landcare nursery

Red Ash is available for sale at the Landcare Nursery. Learn more about the nursery at www.landcareportmac.com.au

Threatened Species of the Month: Koala (Phascolarctos cinerius)

Koalas may be an Australian icon, but they are also endangered – and as breeding season begins, they’ll be moving more often through our neighbourhoods, roads and bushland. Conservation Status...

Weed of the Month: Giant Parramatta Grass & Giant Rat’s Tail Grass (Sporobolus spp.)

At first glance Giant Parramatta Grass and Giant Rat’s Tail Grass can look like just another clump of grass in the paddock – but they can quickly take over. Invasive...

Our Urban Canopy is Growing

Council’s 2026 Annual Tree Planting Program has successfully wrapped up, with ninety-two advanced trees planted across the region this season. Following a dry spring and summer, the arrival of autumn...

Community comes together to restore Bunderra Reserve for National Tree Day

More than 50 community volunteers joined Port Macquarie Hastings Council and Hastings Landcare at Bunderra Reserve, Beechwood, on Sunday 27 July to celebrate National Tree Day. Volunteers of all ages...