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Glossary

Varnishleaf, Dodonaea viscosa

Go to - Landscape Trees
Landscape Shrubs

Family - Sapindaceae

Habitat - Coastal Strand, Coastal Hammocks

Varnishleaf is a small native tree or more commonly a shrub to 10 feet high, occasionally taller with reddish, slightly furrowed bark. Leaves are stiff, alternate, obovate, shiny yellowish-green and sticky, 3-6 inches long.

Flower - Yellowish-green in small terminal clusters, fruit is a yellow-green to pinkish, papery winged capsule containing many small seeds.

U.S.D.A. Zones 8-11, tolerates some frost but will be damaged or killed by a hard freeze.

Full sun to partial shade in well drained soil, the resinous coating on the leaves makes for a very drought tolerant plant once established, and is also salt spray resistant.

Varnishleaf is also known as Florida Hop-bush and is suitable as a specimen plant, screen or as a hedge plant when spaced 5 - 8 feet apart. Normally this tough native has very few or no pests or problems, avoid overwatering.

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