• Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
  • Photo by: John Bradford, Martin County Chapter FNPS
  • Photo by: John Bradford, Martin County Chapter FNPS
  • Photo by: John Bradford, Martin County Chapter FNPS
  • Photo by: John Bradford, Martin County Chapter FNPS

Dodonaea viscosa

varnish leaf, Florida hopbush

Nomenclature

Common Name:

varnish leaf, Florida hopbush

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Dodonaea viscosa

Family:

Sapindaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

shrub

Size:

1-15 (25) ft

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white,yellow,green

Fruit Color:

yellow,red,green

Phenology:

Evergreen. Blooms spring-summer.

Noted For:

Showy Fruits, Hurricane Wind Resistance, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Often used as a hedge plant. Fast growing. Can also work as an individual specimen. A good choice for dune stabilization.

Considerations:

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Availability:

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Propagation:

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Light:

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Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded---------------------------------Extremely Dry

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Somewhat moist, no flooding -to- Very long very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

High. Can tolerate significant and ongoing amounts of salt.

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Lime Rock

Soil pH:

Calcareous (high pH)

Suitable to Grow In:

9A,9B,10A,10B,11

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators

Attracts pollinators.

Dense foliage can be good bird nesting habitat.  Fruits are dispersed by wind.

Native Habitats:

Dry sites near the coast. Hammocks and pinelands.

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

This pan-tropical tree has been used for a variety of medicinal uses, typically as an extract or tea. The list varies from skin rashes, to sore throats, to stomach ailments, to a variety of serious diseases.

General Comments:

Has shiny, stiff leaves 2.5 to 5 inches long.