Silverbush - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Sophora tomentosa

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 15 Jun 2001

Profile last updated: 11 Jun 2019

Description

Silverbush is a coastal shrub or small tree to 5 m high. Leaves are 10-20 cm long, usually divided into 11 to 17 oval to circular leaflets 20-40 mm long, 10-30mm wide with woolly hairs. The pale yellow flowers are in clumps 10-15 cm long and appear during winter. They are followed by 10-18cm long seed pods containing 5-10 seeds, with the pod strongly constricted between seeds.

Distribution

Silverbush occurs in coastal areas in Queensland and northern NSW. It was previously common north from Port Stephens but is now uncommon and found only north of Old Bar, near Taree. The largest known population, at Port Macquarie, is estimated at up to 500 plants, other populations are of less than 20 plants. It is found in a number of other countries.

Habitat and ecology

Silverbush occurs on coastal dunes.
Seeds may be dispersed by sea currents.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Invasion of habitat by the weed bitou bush.
Clearing of dune vegetation.
Inappropriate recreational use of beaches and foredunes.
Damage to plants during weed control programs.
Inundation of low lying areas due to climate change.
Unauthorised seed collection.
Erosion of dunes during storm events.
Competition and habitat degradation by mixed weeds.
Loss of individuals from road/track works or maintenance.

Recovery strategies

Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified 7 priority actions to help recover the Silverbush in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Protect known sites from inappropriate recreation activities by fencing, signage and community awareness.
Control Bitou Bush at known sites, taking care to avoid Silverbush.
Protect sand dune habitat from clearing.
Regenerate and restore disturbed sand dune areas.
Maintain viable ex-situ seedbank.

Information sources

Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
NSW Scientific Committee (2001) Sophora tomentosa (a shrub) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW North Coast	Coffs Coast and Escarpment	Known	Within 2 km of coast
NSW North Coast	Karuah Manning	Predicted	Within 2 km of coast
NSW North Coast	Macleay Hastings	Known	Within 2 km of coast
NSW North Coast	Yuraygir	Known	Within 2 km of coast
Ocean	Tweed-Moreton	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Predicted	Within 2 km of coast
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	Within 2 km of coast
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Predicted	Within 2 km of coast
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Known	Within 2 km of coast

Images

Flower, foliage and fruit, Silverbush Image 1 of 3.
View slideshow.

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