Many unique and beautiful flowering species can be found within Warwick Conservation Area. A total of 217 native flora species have been recorded at so far. Three species are listed as naturally occurring significant flora of the Perth Metropolitan Region, Waldjumi (Jacksonia sericea), Prickly Conostylis (Conostylis aculeata subsp cygnorum) and Common Popflower (Glischrocaryon aureum). There are also some significant populations of orchids present that are uncommon in Perth, such as the Chestnut Sun Orchid (Thelymitra fuscolutea).

There are beautiful wildflowers in every season here, but their flowering peaks from August to October, which is the best time to look for wildflowers. Flowering also increases in late autumn or early winter,  depending on when the rain starts after the long dry summer and early autumn.

Wildflowers are Protected

All flora, fauna and fungi are protected by law and a license is required to take any native species, including wildflowers, from any area of public land. There are substantial fines for damage to any species or their habitat.

List of Native Plants

Other Lists of Plant Species

Species Profiles

Triggerplants (Stylidium)

Many species of trigger plants are endemic to the south west of Western Australia. Several species of these fascinating and beautiful flowers can be found within Warwick Bushland  These einclud the Book Triggerplant, Pink Fountain Triggerplant, Fleshy-Leaved Triggerplant, Common Butterfly Triggerplant, Matted Triggerplant and Cow Kicks.

Trigger plants have a unique pollination method. Each flower has a spring loaded, touch sensitive column hidden behind the petals that contains both the male and female parts of the flower (anther and stigma). When an insect lands on the flower the column flicks up like a hammer hitting the insect on the back. This action either deposits or collects pollen from the insect depending on the life cycle of the plant. The plants avoid self-pollination due to the delayed development of the stigma (female part).

Cow Kicks is the largest trigger plant to flower in Warwick. The images to the right show flowers where the column is open (top), has sprung shut (middle), and a trapped a fly (bottom). This fly will eventually escape taking pollen from the flower with it. Most insects do not get trapped by these flowers.

Grass trees (Xanthorrhoea preissii)

Throughout Warwick Open Space many grass tree groves can be found. Xanthorrhoea preissii is endemic to Western Australia, are extremely drought tolerant and can survive bushfires.

The flowering spike can grow up to 4 metres long and 6cm thick. White flowers are produced on the top two thirds of the flowering spike during mid to late spring.  The spike attracts a variety of nectar-eating birds and insects.

Grass trees are very slow growing as its trunk is built from layers of flat leaf-bases. The trunk is crooked and bumpy and at the top long green grass-like leaves sprout out.

Prickly Conostylis (Conostylis aculeata subsp. cygnorum)

The Prickly Conostylis is a tufted, perennial grass-like herb growing up to 45cm high. From September to November clusters of yellow ball shaped flower heads are produced. The Conostylis genus is in the Haemodoraceae family, along with Kangaroo Paws (Anigozanthos) and Blood Roots (Heamodorum species).

Jacksonia sericea

Jacksonia sericea is a low spreading shrub with small “pea” shape yellow to orange flowers over summer, December to February. It grows to 60cm high and its branches function as the leaves and are covered in fine silky hairs to reduce water loss. The species is endemic to Western Australia, only found in the southwest of the state.

Jacksonia sericea is often referred to by its common or Aboriginal name, Waldjumi.

The state government have identified Jacksonia sericea as a Priority 4 significant flora species. This means that while Jacksonia sericea is not currently under any direct threat, existing populations are considered rare in Southwest Western Australia and require ongoing monitoring.

Fringe Lilies (Thysanotus species)

There are five species of the beautiful and fascinating fringed lilies in Warwick Bushland. They flower in succession from spring until summer. Native bees are attracted by the fringes on flowers, which only open for one day. The example here is Thysanotus manglesianus, a Climbing Fringed Lily.

Pixie Mops (Petrophile species)

These beautiful members of the banksia family (Proteaceae) have clusters of furry flowers in spring or early summer. These species produce wind dispersed seeds and local species resprout vigorously after fire.