Banksia marginata, commonly known as the silver banksia, is a species of tree or woody shrub in the plant genus "Banksia" found throughout much of southeastern Australia. It ranges from the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia to north of Armidale, New South Wales, and across Tasmania and the islands of Bass Strait. It grows in various habitats, including "Eucalyptus" forest, scrub, heathland and moorland. "Banksia marginata" varies widely in habit, ranging from a shrub to a tree. The narrow leaves are linear and the yellow inflorescences (flower spikes) occur from late summer to early winter. The flower spikes fade to brown and then grey and develop woody follicles bearing the winged seeds. Originally described by Antonio José Cavanilles in 1800, further collections of "B. marginata" were designated as several separate species by Robert Brown in 1810. However, all were reclassified as a single species by George Bentham in 1870. No distinct subspecies have been recognised by "Banksia" expert Alex George, who nonetheless concedes that further work is needed.