Brisbane tree guide

Ivory curl tree

Buckinghamia celsissima · also called Ivory curl, Ivory curl flower, Spotted silky oak

The ivory curl tree is a north Queensland rainforest native that covers itself in long, fragrant spikes of cream flowers through summer. In Brisbane it usually stays a compact 6 to 8 metres, and the council lists it as a street tree that can go under power lines. It grows quickly, draws birds and bees, and suits smaller gardens.

Australian native
6 to 8 m tall
Flowers December to April

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Ivory curl tree, from Wikimedia Commons — Photo: Jan Smith from Brisbane, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ivory curl tree at a glance

Height: 6 to 8 m (up to 30 m in the wild)
Growth: Fast
Leaves: Evergreen
Flowers: Cream, white, December to April
Origin: Rainforests of north-east Queensland, mainly the Atherton Tableland area between Cooktown and Townsville
Power lines: Council lists it for streets with power lines lower than 8 m
Family: Proteaceae

How to identify an ivory curl tree

In summer the ivory curl is easy to spot: long, hanging spikes of small cream flowers, up to about 20 to 25 cm long, are carried at the ends of the branches and look much like macadamia flowers. Adult leaves are oval, 8 to 16 cm long, dark green above and paler underneath, and new growth is bronze. Young plants often have deeply lobed leaves, a little like those of the firewheel tree. After flowering, small woody pods 1.5 to 3 cm long ripen from green to brown or black and release flat, winged seeds.

Growing an ivory curl tree in Brisbane

Although it comes from north Queensland, it is widely planted in streets, parks and gardens further south. Brisbane City Council includes it on its street tree list for the Undulating Plains and Higher land precincts, on verges up to 5 m wide and under power lines lower than 8 m. Give it full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is not frost tolerant, so avoid cold, frosty hollows.

Pruning and care

Ivory curls need little care. The main job is trimming back behind the spent flower spikes once flowering finishes, which keeps the tree tidy. Water young trees through dry spells while they establish, and keep the soil moist but well drained. Lift low branches if they block paths or driveways, cutting back to a branch collar rather than leaving stubs. Any work near power lines is a job for a professional with the right gear.

Ivory curl tree: your questions

Short answers, from the sources below.

Back to the tree guide

How tall does an ivory curl tree grow?

Brisbane City Council's street tree list gives 6 to 8 metres for the ivory curl tree. In its north Queensland rainforest home it can reach 30 metres, but it stays much smaller in gardens.

When does the ivory curl tree flower?

Mainly in summer. Brisbane City Council lists it as summer flowering, and Flora of Australia records flowers from January to April.

Can I plant an ivory curl tree under power lines?

Brisbane City Council's street tree list includes the ivory curl for streets with power lines lower than 8 metres, in its Undulating Plains and Higher land precincts.

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Sources and credits

Photo: Jan Smith from Brisbane, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Checked October 2026. Weed listings and council rules change: check the council's and the Queensland Government's pages before you act.