Hard Quandong

Common Names: Hard Quandong, Blueberry Ash (incorrectly), Whitewood

Hard Quandong is a hardy and versatile native tree that thrives in the Perth Metro area. While it grows as a rainforest giant in the wild, it stays much smaller and well-behaved in urban gardens, making it a popular choice for local street trees and home landscapes. It offers year-round interest, from its dense evergreen shade to the burst of white bell-shaped flowers in spring and bright blue berries in autumn.

Features:

Ideal prune height range: 3-6m

pH growing conditions: 5.5 to 7.0

Shade or full sun: Full sun to part shade

Minimum pot year 5: 45L pot

Time to fruit age: 4-6 years

This tree is known for being tough and adaptable. It handles the local heat well once established and provides a great canopy for smaller shade-loving plants underneath. The tiny white flowers are a hit with native bees, and the colourful blue berries follow in the cooler months, adding a unique look to the garden.

Interesting Notes:

Hard Quandong is very low-maintenance and can be pruned easily to maintain a specific shape or size. Its roots are generally less invasive than other rainforest species, which is why councils love using them as street trees. It is a perfect addition for anyone looking to add bird-attracting natives to their food forest or backyard.

Additional Uses

Hard Quandong make a great fire retardant and solid windbreak or privacy screen. The timber is light and easy to work with, once used for making pipes and oars. Some birds like the nectar and berries.

Edible:

The bright blue berries are edible but can be a bit tart or dry straight off the tree. They are best used in jams, fruit salads, or drinks where the tangy flavour can shine. They are high in antioxidants.

Medicinal:

In traditional folk medicine, various parts of the tree have been used for healing. The leaves and bark contain anti-inflammatory compounds. When mashed, the roots and bark were historically used as a topical treatment for sores, swelling, and toothache. Some say the fruit juice is a great cooling tonic for the body during our hot summers.

Limited stock. Pickup from Parkwood, WA. Delivery to Perth Metro only.

Keywords: Hard Quandong, Elaeocarpus obovatus, native fruit tree Perth, bird attracting trees, street tree varieties, hardy native plants