Dodonaea Viscosa - Native Hop - Sticky Hop Bush

The Native Hop is an erect shrub usually will grow to 4m but has been known to get to 8m. It is heat and cold tolerant when established. The leaves have a "shiny" sheen that has a sticky, leathery feel to the touch. The flowers have no petals so have to rely solely on the wind to to distribute the pollen, these unusual flowers appear in spring. The female of this species produces papery, winged like seed capsules that change colour from green to purple, pink or red as they mature in the summertime. Terrific shelter and nesting sites for wildlife. This trees leaves were used to make beer when the "normal" hops was not available.