Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as Sticky Hop-bush, is a versatile Australian native shrub that is popular in landscaping for its unique foliage and attractive red-winged fruit. The leaves are thick, shiny and have a reddish tinge, with new growth emerging a bright coppery red. The plant produces small greenish-yellow flowers in spring and summer, which are followed by clusters of reddish-brown fruit. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil types, making it suitable for use in coastal gardens, rockeries, and as a hedge or screen plant. With regular pruning, it can also be trained into an attractive small tree.
Dodonaea viscosa
STICKY HOP-BUSH
Description
Height: 3-4 m
Width: 2-3 m
Aspect: Tolerant of various soil types and conditions, including drought, wind, and salt spray. Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Flowers: Produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters in late winter to early spring, followed by small, papery fruit capsules.
Uses: Can be used for ornamental purposes as a screen or hedge, as it responds well to pruning. Also commonly used for erosion control, particularly in coastal areas, due to its tolerance of salt spray and wind. The leaves have also been used medicinally by Indigenous Australians for treating skin irritations and insect bites.
