Dodonaea viscosa – Broadleaf Hopbush, Hopseed Bush, Florida Hopbush, Varnish Leaf, Switch Sorreal

Description

Dodonaea viscosa is a hardy evergreen shrub or small tree that typically grows 1 – 6 meters tall. It features slender, lance-shaped leaves that are often sticky to the touch and can vary in color from green to bronze-red depending on climate and variety. Small, inconspicuous flowers are followed by attractive papery seed capsules that turn shades of pink, red, or bronze, adding ornamental appeal. Highly adaptable and drought-tolerant, this species thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating wind, salt, and poor soils. It is commonly used for hedging, windbreaks, erosion control, and native landscaping in warm and dry regions.