Hopseed Bush
Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia
Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia (Hopseed) is one the few, evergreen, shrub/small tree that brings a unique color and texture to desert adapted landscape designs. Hopseed is a member of soapberry family, Sapindaceae, which has a cosmopolitan distribution in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions of Africa, the Americas, southern Asia and Austral-Asia.
The droopy leaves are shiny, light green above and paler green below, with thornless, light grey and finely fissured branch and trunk bark. With a mature (un-pruned) height that can reach 15 feet (while not seen in the desert southwest, some reports suggest they can reach to 25’ tall); it brings a lush, dense, green leaf canopy that integrates seamlessly with surrounding desert trees and shrubs. The flowers are small, yellowish green and are followed by decorative clusters of yellow or reddish fruits with papery wings. Flowers are produced intermittently from April to August (spring to summer). Dodonaea grows best in full sun and well drained soils but will tolerate less ideal conditions. The growth rate is moderate to fast, given adequate water and fertilizer. Mature, established specimens require minimal irrigation. Established plants require virtually no maintenance other than cosmetic pruning, if desired and are largely free of serious pests. The amount of pruning depends on the plant use and location within the landscape. It is excellent as a hedge, screen or barrier planting, to hide unsightly irrigation controls or other moderate sized structures. Lower branches can be pruned to develop a “small tree” form that is ideal for individual specimens or small groupings when mixed with deciduous trees and shrubs. This shrub is grown worldwide, as the roots have soil-binding properties which are effective for the purpose of stabilizing sand dunes and in controlling erosion. In the southwest it is primarily used as an accent shrub/small tree, single specimen or as a screening/hedge planting.
Ecology and Uses
The dense bushy hedges, which it can form, are ideal bird nesting sites and the flowers attract butterflies. The seed has papery wings and is easily dispersed by wind. In the rural areas Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia leaves are still widely used for colds, influenza, stomach trouble, fever and measles. In arid regions its stems/trunks are a valuable source of firewood.
Foliage: Evergreen Mature Height: 12’ - 20’
Mature Width: 10’ - 15’ Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness: 18 degrees F Exposure: Full Sun
Leaf Color: Green Shade: Filtered
Flower Color: Yellow-Green Flower Shape: Petal-less
Flower Season: Spring to Fall Thorns: None
Propagation Method: Selected Seed Sizes Available: 25 gallon
