Dodonaea viscosa (Varnish-Leaf, Hopbush)
Syn: D. angustifolia The Varnish-Leaf is a fast growing evergreen shrub that can grow 2-3 m tall . The shiny leaves give a nice a decorative appearance. The elliptic leaf has a coating which protects it from loosing water. The flower is yellow without true petals and appearing in a cluster. This shrub blooms in the spring and fall, and flowers on the same plant may be male, female, or perfect. The three parted seed pods have 3 or 4 rounded wings. The plant used as a specimen hedge or background plant screen. It is can also be grown in fence rows and is interesting when espaliered. It can tolerate dry sandy or rocky condition, salt spray, wind and drought condition.
- Landscape Information
- Botanical Description
- Horticulture Management
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Pronunciation: doe-DOE-nee-uh viss-KOE-suh
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Plant type: Shrub
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Origin: Florida
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Heat Zones: 5 to 16
Hardiness Zones: 9 to 13
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Uses: Screen, Espalier, Specimen, Wildlife
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Size/Shape
Growth Rate: Moderate
Tree Shape: oval
Canopy Symmetry: Symmetrical
Canopy Density: Medium
Canopy Texture: Fine
Height at Maturity: 1.5 to 3 m
Spread at Maturity: 1.5 to 3 meters
Time to Ultimate Height: 2 to 5 Years
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Foliage
Leaf Arrangement : Alternate
Leaf Venation: Pinnate
Leaf Persistance: Evergreen
Leaf Type: Simple
Leaf Blade: Less than 5
Leaf Shape: Spatulate
Leaf Margins: Entire
Leaf Texture: Rough
Leaf Scent: Unpleasant
Color(growing season): Green
Color(changing season): Green
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Flower
Flower Size Range: 0 - 1.5
Flower Type: Raceme
Flower Sexuality: Monoecious (Bisexual)
Flower Scent: No Fragance
Flower Color: Green, White
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
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Trunk
Trunk Susceptibility to Breakage: Generally resists breakage
Number of Trunks: Multi-Trunked
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Fruit
Fruit Type: Capsule
Fruit Showiness: Yes
Fruit Size Range: 1.5 - 3
Fruit Color: Green, Yellow, Red
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
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Tolerance
Frost Tolerant: Yes
Heat Tolerance: Yes
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Requirements
Soil Requirements: Loam, Sand
Soil Ph Requirements: Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Water Requirements: Moderate
Light Requirements: Full
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Management
Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases: No
Pruning Requirements: Needed, to develop a strong structure
Fruit/ Leaves/ Flowers litter: No
Life Span: Less than 25
Edible Parts: None
Plant Propagation: Seed, Cutting