Lower Risk

Telopea speciosissima (New South Wales Waratah, Waratah)

(Embothrium speciossimum)

Waratah, which can grow up to 3 m tall, is native to NSW, Australia. Its native distribution ranges from Ulladulla to Watagan Mountains and the Blue Mountains. Waratah has been in the Australian ornamental since 1804 and has not become naturalised nor invasive anywhere outside its native range. It is slow to reach sexual maturity and flowers rarely, but when it does it produces a large vibrant red flower. A number of cultivated varieties have been developed from this species. Waratah is the floral emblem of NSW.