Admired for its striking flowers, Hakea laurina (Sea Urchin) is a large upright evergreen shrub or small tree of compact, rounded habit, with bold and handsome, blue-green lanceolate leaves, 5-7 in. long (12-17 cm), that wave and curl attractively. In late spring to early summer, clusters of tiny flower buds start to form, becoming fat and pointed by fall. They open from fall to late winter, to reveal showy rounded pincushion flower heads, up to 2 in. across (5 cm). Soft cardinal or cherry red, they are adorned with projecting long styles, and look like pincushions stuck with golden pins. A handsome shrub worthy of inclusion in the garden or used as a screen or hedge. Tolerant of drought and coastal condition, Hakea laurina attracts birds into the garden and is also useful for cut flower arrangements.