Because of its higher susceptibility and lower reliance on fire for reproduction, the optimal fire interval for "B. prionotes" is higher than for other "Banksia" species with which it occurs. One simulation suggested an interval of 18 years was optimal for "B. prionotes", compared to 15 years for "B. hookeriana" and 11 years for "B. attenuata". The same model suggested that "B. prionotes" is quite susceptible to reductions in fire intervals. On the other hand, it shows little susceptibility to increases in fire interval: although senescence and death are often observed in plants older than about 30 years, healthy stands have been observed that have escaped fire for 50 years. These stands have a multi-aged structure, demonstrating the occurrence of successful inter-fire recruitment.