General Description:

Coopernookia is a small genus of six species of small shrubs, all of which occur naturally only in Australia. They are found in open forest, woodland or tall shrubby areas and were previously placed within Dampiera or Goodenia.

Copernookia barbata (previously Goodenia barbata) is a small shrub to 0.5 to 1 metres high. The leaves are linear or narrowly oblong in shape to about 30 mm long by 5 mm wide with margins that may be toothed or entire. Leaves and stems are covered in star-like hairs. The mauve or pink flowers have the typical ‘fan’ shape which is a common feature of most of the Goodeniaceae and occur in leafy racemes at the ends of branches. Flowering occurs mainly in spring to summer and may extend to early autumn.

This species is not often seen in cultivation but is suitable to smaller gardens and containers and as a rockery or foreground plant in larger gardens. It is suited to most reasonably well drained soils, preferably in partial shade, but a sunny position will be tolerated provided the plant is not allowed to dry out.

Propagation is difficult from seed but cuttings strike very easily from firm, current season’s growth.