Butterfly-Leaved Gastrolobium
(Gastrolobium praemorsum)
Butterfly-Leaved Gastrolobium (Gastrolobium praemorsum)
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Melburnian
CC BY 3.0
Image By:
Melburnian
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Copyright:
CC BY 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Melburnian | License Type: CC BY 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0 | Uploader: Melburnian | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Gastrolobium_praemorsum_Bronze_Butterfly.jpg | Notes: Transferred from Flickr by [[User:Amada44]] |









Estimated Native Range
Summary
Gastrolobium praemorsum, commonly known as Butterfly-Leaved Gastrolobium, is an evergreen subshrub or shrub native to the open woodlands and scrublands of Southwestern Australia. It typically grows as a scrambling shrub reaching heights of 1-2 meters. The species is characterized by its vibrant red pea-shaped flowers, which bloom profusely from late winter to early summer (August to December in Australia), attracting pollinators such as bees and birds. The foliage is notable for its butterfly-like appearance, hence the common name.
Butterfly-Leaved Gastrolobium is valued for its showy flowers and ability to adapt to a range of garden settings. It is often used in native plant gardens, as a border plant, or for revegetation projects due to its resilience and low maintenance requirements. While it prefers full sun to part shade, it can tolerate a variety of soil types, provided they have good drainage. It is important to note that, like many other members of the genus Gastrolobium, this species may contain toxic compounds, and caution should be exercised around pets and livestock. Gardeners should also be aware of its potential to become invasive if conditions allow.CC BY-SA 4.0
Butterfly-Leaved Gastrolobium is valued for its showy flowers and ability to adapt to a range of garden settings. It is often used in native plant gardens, as a border plant, or for revegetation projects due to its resilience and low maintenance requirements. While it prefers full sun to part shade, it can tolerate a variety of soil types, provided they have good drainage. It is important to note that, like many other members of the genus Gastrolobium, this species may contain toxic compounds, and caution should be exercised around pets and livestock. Gardeners should also be aware of its potential to become invasive if conditions allow.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Shrub
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands and scrublands
Other Names
Common Names: Brown Butterfly
Scientific Names: , Gastrolobium praemorsum, Brachysema praemorsum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Gastrolobium praemorsum (Meisn.) G.Chandler & Crisp