Streamside Tree Daisy Olearia cheesemanii
ABOUT
Olearia cheesemanii, commonly known as Streamside Daisy, is an attractive shrub with a striking appearance that captures the eye. The plant bears lush, green leaves that are generally oval-shaped with a slightly toothed edge, providing a dense foliage that can appear quite lush and vibrant. The leaves may have a leathery texture, contributing to the robust nature of this species. It's during the flowering season that Streamside Daisy truly shows its beauty. The plant produces abundant flower heads that are composed of small, daisy-like flowers. These blossoms are typically white, though they can have hints of other soft colors, and they feature a central disc that is usually yellow, giving a cheerful contrast to the white petals. The flowers are clustered together in groups, creating a delightful display that can be visually striking against the green backdrop of the leaves. Moreover, Streamside Daisy may exhibit a pleasing and aromatic scent that emanates from both the foliage and the flowers, adding to the sensory appeal of the plant. The overall impression of Olearia cheesemanii is one of a fresh and bright shrub that can bring life and beauty to the areas where it grows. Please note that details regarding the specific dimensions of the plant have been omitted as per the instructions provided.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Cheeseman's Daisy, Cheeseman's Tree Daisy, Streamside Tree Daisy
Common names
Olearia cheesemanii.
ToxicityTo humans
Olearia cheesemanii, commonly known as Streamside Tree Daisy, does not have a well-documented profile of toxicity for humans. There is a lack of specific information on whether any part of the Streamside Tree Daisy is toxic to humans if ingested. As with any plant, it is advisable to avoid eating parts of plants that are not known to be edible, as they can sometimes cause negative reactions such as gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, seek medical attention immediately.
To pets
Olearia cheesemanii, also referred to as Streamside Tree Daisy, does not have a well-known toxicity profile for pets either. As with humans, there is limited information on its potential toxicity to animals such as dogs and cats. If your pet ingests parts of the Streamside Tree Daisy and shows signs of illness—for example, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, or signs of distress—it is crucial to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscaping: Streamside Daisy is often used in landscaping for its attractive foliage and daisy-like flowers.
- Habitat Support: It provides food and shelter for insects and birds.
- Cultural Significance: The plant has importance to some indigenous cultures as part of their natural heritage.
- Erosion Control: Its root systems can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially in coastal areas.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Streamside Daisy can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: It generally requires minimal care once established, reducing the need for water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
- Ornamental Flowers: Produces attractive flowers that can add aesthetic value to gardens and attract pollinators.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Olearia cheesemanii, commonly known as Streamside Daisy, can be used for hedging due to its dense foliage and ability to tolerate pruning.
- Streamside Daisy's sturdy nature makes it suitable for coastal landscaping as it can withstand salty winds and sandy soils.
- The flowers of the Streamside Daisy provide nectar for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, enhancing biodiversity in gardens.
- Streamside Daisy can be used in floral arrangements and as cut flowers because of their long-stemmed daisy-like blossoms.
- The plant, with its attractive foliage, can be integrated into ornamental gardens for texture contrast among other shrubs and perennials.
- Streamside Daisy can be implemented in erosion control schemes, especially on slopes and banks due to its bushy growth habit.
- The shrub’s ability to grow in various conditions, including partial shade, allows it to be used under large trees where other plants might struggle.
- It can be planted along stream banks to provide habitat and shelter for small fauna, playing a role in ecosystem services.
- Streamside Daisy can be used to create natural garden borders or edges, delineating paths or garden sections.
- Due to the relatively fast growth rate of the Streamside Daisy, it can be utilized for quick garden fillers to cover up bare patches.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Olearia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Olearia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Olearia cheesemanii, commonly known as Streamside Daisy, often grows in challenging environments, symbolizing the ability to thrive in adverse conditions.
- Adaptability: This plant's capacity to adapt to different soil types and climates is a metaphor for the flexibility and the ability to prosper in various situations in life.
WaterStreamside Daisy Bush should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. During the growing season, water when the top inch of soil becomes dry, which could be approximately once a week, though this can vary based on climate conditions. Provide about 1 gallon of water to the base of the plant at each watering to ensure the root zone is thoroughly moistened. During the winter months or cooler seasons, reduce watering to every other week or less depending on rainfall and temperature, as the plant requires less moisture when growth is slow.
LightStreamside Daisy Bush thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can tolerate some light shade, especially in hot climates. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can result in fewer flowers and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureStreamside Daisy Bush is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit but thrives in conditions between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat above 95 degrees Fahrenheit may stress the plant, so some protection or shading may be beneficial during the hottest parts of the day in very warm climates.
PruningStreamside Daisy Bush should be pruned to maintain a desirable shape and promote vigorous growth. Pruning is best done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and cut back up to one-third of the plant to encourage bushy growth. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to keep the plant looking its best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Streamside Daisy is well-draining with peat, perlite, and compost. Aim for a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
RepottingStreamside Daisy should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent root crowding and refresh soil nutrients.
Humidity & MistingStreamside Daisy thrives in moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to various humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Streamside Daisy in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Streamside Daisy in partial shade to full sun outdoors.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleOlearia cheesemanii, commonly known as Cheeseman's Daisy Bush, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate, typically requiring well-drained soil and sunlight to initiate growth. The seedlings then develop into juvenile plants, establishing a small rosette of leaves and a root system to absorb nutrients and water. As the plants mature, they enter a vegetative stage, during which they develop a woody stem and a larger leaf area to maximize photosynthesis. Flowering occurs during the mature adult stage, with the plant producing clusters of white, daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into small fruit that release seeds upon maturity, allowing for the dispersal of the next generation. The plant may go through several flowering cycles before eventually senescing and dying, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Olearia cheesemanii, commonly known as Cheeseman's Daisy Bush, is typically propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The optimal time for taking cuttings is late summer, when growth from the current season has started to mature but isn't fully hardened. To propagate, select healthy, disease-free stems and cut sections about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to promote root development. These prepared cuttings can then be inserted into a well-draining potting mix or perlite and kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots are established, which usually takes several weeks. It's important to maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent rot.
