Hopbush

(Dodonaea viscosa)

Hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa)

Craig Hodges

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Craig Hodges

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Craig Hodges | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Occurence ID: https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/1632946832 | Publisher: Atlas of Living Australia |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as Hopbush, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to a variety of habitats including dry rainforest margins, coastal dunes, and rocky outcrops in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean,Central and South America. It typically grows to 1–3 m (3.3–9.8 ft) tall, but can occasionally become a small tree up to 9 m (30 ft) tall. The leaves are leathery, tough, and pliable, often with a shiny appearance. Hopbush is notable for its papery, winged fruits that add ornamental value. Flowering occurs in spring and summer, with small, inconspicuous clusters of flowers that may be green, yellow, or red.

Hopbush is valued for its hardiness, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in a wide range of soil types, from sandy to well-drained clay soils. It requires minimal maintenance once established and can handle full sun to part shade. It is often used for hedges, screens, windbreaks, and in coastal gardens due to its salt tolerance. Propagation is typically done through seeds, which may require hot water treatment to break dormancy, or cuttings to ensure desired fruiting characteristics. Be aware that D. viscosa can become invasive outside its native range, so it is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 5-15 feet
Width: 8-15 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: Yellow, Green
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low
Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Border Plant, Drought Tolerant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

native to a variety of habitats including dry rainforest margins, coastal dunes, and rocky outcrops in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean,Central and South America

Other Names

Common Names: Sticky Hopbush , Giant Hopbush , Hopshrub , Broadleaf Hopbush , Narrow Leaf Hopbush , Native Hop Bush , Soapwood , Switchsorrel , Wedge Leaf Hopbush , Florida Hopbush

Scientific Names: Dodonaea viscosa , Dodonaea viscosa var. vulgaris , Dodonaea eriocarpa var. degeneri , Dodonaea eriocarpa f. decipiens , Dodonaea eriocarpa var. costulata , Dodonaea eriocarpa var. glabrescens , Dodonaea eriocarpa var. waimeana , Dodonaea eriocarpa var. varians , Dodonaea eriocarpa f. acuminata , Dodonaea serrulata

GBIF Accepted Name: Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jacq.