Spanish botanist Antonio José Cavanilles described "B. oblongifolia" in 1800, though it was known as "Banksia aspleniifolia" in New South Wales for many years. However, the latter name, originally coined by Richard Anthony Salisbury, proved invalid, and "Banksia oblongifolia" has been universally adopted as the correct scientific name since 1981. Two varieties were recognised in 1987, but these have not been generally accepted. A wide array of mammals, birds, and invertebrates visit the inflorescences. Though easily grown as a garden plant, it is not commonly seen in horticulture.