Banksia sceptrum, the sceptre banksia, occurs in Western Australia near the central west coast from Geraldton north through Kalbarri to Hamelin Pool. It extends inland almost to Mullewa. In nature, it grows in deep yellow or pale red sand in tall shrubland, commonly on dunes, being found as a shrub to 6 metres (20 ft) high, though often smaller in exposed areas. It is killed by fire and regenerates by seed. Follicles open with fire. B. sceptrum is one of the most striking yellow-flowered banksias of all. Its tall bright yellow spikes, known as inflorescences, are terminal and well displayed. Flowering is in summer, mainly December and January, though occasional flowers are rarely seen at other times.