Westringia, often known as native rosemary, is one of the true workhorses of the Australian landscape industry. Its tidy form, drought tolerance, and coastal hardiness have made it a go-to for everything from formal hedging to bushland revegetation. But what about its ecological role? While not a standout seed or fruit plant, Westringia still offers some valuable ecological benefits worth considering.
Ozbreed Aussie Box® Westringia hybrid ‘WES08’ PBR. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/ozbreed-aussie-box-westringia-is-a-native-box-hedge-plant-with-mauve-flowers-and-a-dense-growth-habit-native-shrubs-ground-covers/
Nectarivorous Birds
Uncommon – Low Attraction
Westringia flowers produce small amounts of nectar, but their size and structure don’t typically attract large numbers of nectar-feeding birds. You may see the odd honeyeater visit in a mixed planting, but it’s not a strong bird-attracting species in this category. Opt for Callistemon or Grevillea to boost your landscape’s nectarivorous bird attractiveness.
Fruit Eating Birds
No – Not Applicable
Westringia doesn’t produce any kind of fleshy or soft fruit. If you’re aiming to support frugivorous birds like figbirds or olive-backed orioles, you’ll need to pair it with other genera. Two great options are Syzygium and Carpobrotus.
Seed Eating Birds
Unknown – Very Low Interest
The seeds of Westringia are small, dry, and not known to be a food source for granivorous birds. There’s little to suggest that seed-eating birds utilise the plant in any meaningful way. Try adding Chrysocephalum and Cenchrus.
Insectivorous Birds
Yes – Excellent Support
The compact and fine-textured foliage of Westringia provides cover and can support small insect populations—particularly spiders, beetles, and tiny leaf-feeding insects, while the flowers attract pollinating insects. This in turn attracts small insectivorous birds such as thornbills or wrens in more naturalistic or mixed plantings.
Pollen Feeding Insects
Yes – Frequent Visitors
Bees, particularly native solitary bees, are known to visit Westringia flowers for pollen. The flowers are accessible and bloom prolifically throughout much of the year, offering a reliable resource in urban and dryland environments.
Low Horizon™ Westringia fruticosa ‘WES06’ PBR. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/low-horizon-westringia-is-a-dense-and-ultra-compact-ground-cover-native-shrubs-ground-covers/
Nectar Feeding Insects
Yes – Especially Small Bees and Flies
Nectar is modest but consistent, and the plant’s long flowering window means it offers extended support for small nectar feeders, including native bees, hoverflies, and occasionally butterflies.
Buzz Pollinated Flowers
No – Not Buzz-Pollinated
Like most Lamiaceae family members, Westringia flowers release pollen freely and do not rely on buzz pollination. If you wish to cater to buzz pollinators like teddy bear bees and blue banded bees, add Dianella .
Habitat for Desirable Insect Larvae
Unknown – Possibly Limited
There’s little formal documentation on larval hosts within Westringia, though the dense branching and evergreen habit may offer some structural refuge for beneficial insects. It’s unlikely to be a primary host for butterfly and moth larvae but may still contribute microhabitat value in diverse plantings. Native grasses and other strappy plants are highly beneficial as host plants.
Final Thoughts for Specifiers
Westringia pulls its weight in pollinator support and habitat structure. Its real ecological strength lies in resilience and seasonal to year-round pollen provision for small insects, making it a dependable base species in waterwise and coastal plantings requiring a native shrub or hedge. Use it to stabilise and fill space, then layer in more wildlife-attracting biodiverse species to complete the ecological picture.
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