Spotted emu bush Eremophila maculata
Spotted emu bush (Eremophila maculata) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Scrophulariaceae family, native to Arid and semi-arid inland mainland Australia. It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Spotted emu bush in your garden →
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Spotted emu bush at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–9 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 46 °C (115 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 13–21 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Arid and semi-arid inland mainland Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Spotted emu bush toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves (livestock)
Has poisoned sheep and cattle that ate large amounts (cyanogenic glycosides); not known to harm people or pets in gardens.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Spotted emu bush
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Spotted emu bush
- How far apart should I plant Spotted emu bush?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Spotted emu bush need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Spotted emu bush need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Spotted emu bush?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Spotted emu bush flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 13–21 weeks.
- Is Spotted emu bush poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. Has poisoned sheep and cattle that ate large amounts (cyanogenic glycosides); not known to harm people or pets in gardens.
- What grows well with Spotted emu bush?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Spotted emu bush. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- FloraBase: the Western Australian Flora, Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Notes and assumptions
- An Australian native of poor, sandy soils: it wants sharp drainage and sun, and rots in heavy, wet ground or humid summers.
- A tough shrub of the outback with curved tubular flowers, red, pink, orange or yellow and spotted inside, from winter to summer; birds pollinate them. Takes heat, drought, frost and alkaline soil.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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