Onion Cedar

Common Names: Onion Cedar, Bog Onion, Onionwood

Onion Cedar is a beautiful and very rare rainforest tree from eastern Australia that makes a fascinating talking point in the garden. Its most famous feature is that the freshly cut bark, crushed leaves, and wood smell exactly like onions. It develops a dense crown of glossy green leaves and is a brilliant choice for collectors of unique native plants or those building a diverse food forest.

Features:

Ideal prune height range: 4-6m

pH growing conditions: 5.5 to 6.5

Shade or full sun: Prefers semi-shade when young, tolerates full sun as it matures

Minimum pot year 5: 90L pot

Time to fruit age: 5-8 years

This slow to moderate grower is highly prized for its beautiful form and dark, glossy foliage that resembles red cedar. In summer it produces small panicles of white flowers, followed by decorative, bright red globose fruits. It thrives in rich, deep soils with plenty of organic matter and appreciates regular watering during hot Perth summers. The onion cedar does not have any recorded edible or medicinal uses. Highly valued for its timber and conservation status.

Interesting Notes:

The timber of this tree is absolutely stunning and looks just like highly valuable red cedar. In the old days, loggers used to soak the logs in water for a long time just to wash out the strong onion smell so they could sell it as premium red cedar timber.

It is currently listed as a vulnerable species in its native habitat, making it a wonderful conservation tree to preserve and grow in your backyard.

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

Keywords: Owenia cepiodora, Onion Cedar, rare native tree, unique garden plants, Perth food forest, Australian rainforest tree