A Tour of Burnside Flowers

The City of Burnside is home to a stunning variety of native flowers that add colour, fragrance and character to our parks, reserves and gardens. As the flowering season draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to take a final stroll and enjoy the last bursts of colour. These blooms not only brighten the landscape but also support pollinators and contribute to the area’s rich biodiversity. Exploring them firsthand is one of the best ways to appreciate their beauty - residents are encouraged to enjoy a walk-through local reserves (while sticking to the designated paths to protect delicate habitats).

A few of the floral superstars you should keep an eye out for include:

Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha)

Our national floral emblem is a familiar sight across Burnside. The Golden Wattle brightens bushland in late winter and early spring, with its vibrant yellow pom-pom blossoms and soft, elongated leaves. Beyond its striking appearance, it provides vital food and shelter for local birds and insects, making it a cornerstone of our native plant communities.

credit: Lorraine Phelan

King Spider Orchid (Caladenia tentaculata)

The Eastern Mantis Orchid is a treat for those with a sharp eye. This orchid produces a slender, spider-like flower with reddish, tentacle-shaped segments that give it its name. Often growing alone or in small clusters, the flowers are large and visually stunning, one of the more striking flowers in the whole Adelaide / Mt Lofty region.

credit: Natalie Tapson

Chocolate Lily (Arthropodium strictum)

The Chocolate Lily rewards patient walkers with delicate purple flowers that release a subtle chocolate-like scent on warm days. Blooming in late spring to early summer, this wildflower thrives in grasslands and open forests across Burnside. Its star-shaped petals and long, arching stems make it a standout for photographers and wildflower enthusiasts.

credit: Reiner Richter

Australian Buttercup (Ranunculus lappaceus)

A cheerful splash of sunshine, the Australian Buttercup is widespread throughout Adelaide’s hills and foothills. Its glossy yellow flowers bloom in spring, often dotting damp grassy areas or the edges of walking paths. Simple yet striking, the buttercup is a reliable indicator that warmer weather has arrived and the bushland is awakening.

credit: chexote

So, whether you’re exploring Michael Perry Botanic Reserve, Waterfall Gully or one of our many local parks or reserves, taking a walk through Burnside’s natural spaces is one of the best ways to enjoy these seasonal displays. Stick to the trails, tread lightly and let these native flowers remind you of the remarkable biodiversity thriving right in our own backyard.

As part of the 2025 Burnside Local Native Plant Giveaway residents were able to receive flower packs including Golden Wattle, Chocolate Lily and Australian Buttercup for planting in their garden. Keep your eyes peeled for the 2026 giveaway, for your chance to grow these local beauties in your garden. (Flower options as part of the giveaway are subject to availability on a yearly basis)

For information on more of the local indigenous flora of the Burnside area and how you can find and recognise them, visit iNaturalist.