Blueberry Ash - Elaeocarpus reticulatus

Blueberry Ash - Elaeocarpus reticulatus — Elegant Native with Year-Round Appeal

The Blueberry Ash is one of SEQ's most underrated native trees. Delicate pink or white frilly flowers in spring and summer are followed by striking metallic blue berries that persist on the tree for months — attracting birds and providing genuine ornamental interest long after the flowers have finished.

It's a refined, elegant tree with a naturally neat growth habit. Works beautifully as a feature specimen, a tall privacy screen, or a garden backdrop tree. Tougher than it looks and perfectly suited to Brisbane's subtropical climate.

Why You'll Love It

• Frilly pink or white flowers — delicate spring and summer blooms
• Striking metallic blue berries — persistent fruit attracts native birds year-round
• Naturally neat form — clean, upright growth with minimal maintenance
• Evergreen — year-round foliage and colour
• Bird-attracting — one of the best native bird garden trees in SEQ
• Versatile — works as screening, feature planting, or garden backdrop

Landscape Uses

• Feature or specimen tree
• Privacy screening — dense enough to form a solid backdrop
• Native and bird-attracting gardens
• Rainforest-style garden settings
• Poolside planting — clean and tidy, no messy fruit drop issues

Available Sizes

• 300mm Bag — well-established plant, great entry point
• 45L Bag — advanced specimen with immediate presence
• 100L Bag — mature tree for instant garden impact

Growth & Conditions

• Mature height: 5–10m
• Mature width: 3–5m
• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade — tolerates lower light well
• Soil: Well-drained; prefers moist, slightly acidic soils
• Watering: Regular during establishment; moderate once mature
• Climate: Perfectly suited to SEQ subtropical conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the berries edible?
The berries are not typically eaten by people but are extremely popular with native birds — fig birds, pigeons, and many others. It's one of the best bird-attracting trees you can plant in SEQ.

Does it work as a screening tree?
Yes — its dense, naturally upright habit makes it effective for privacy screening. For a solid screen, plant 1.5–2m apart.

Is it hard to grow?
No. Once established it's a very low-maintenance tree. Give it good soil preparation, regular water for the first season, and it'll largely look after itself.

Locally supplied and acclimatised to South East Queensland conditions. Need it installed? Key Co Landscapes offers professional tree installation across SEQ.