As its name suggests, this banksia grows in or near wetlands, both on the coastal plain and in the Darling Range. It can reach a height of 10 m, and develops a thick, gnarled trunk and thick spreading branches with rough, crumbly bark. Its dense leaves are green on the upperside but white on the underside. Hence, wind gusts can change the foliage colour from green to white. Attractive yellow flower spikes are produced in autumn and winter, and are kept within the foliage.
Ref:
“Leaf and branch: trees and tall shrubs of Perth” by Robert Powell. Published by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, 2009.
“Common trees of the south-west forests” by Judy Wheeler. Published by the Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management.