Glischrocaryon, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
popweed
Overview
Glischrocaryon is a small genus of about four perennial herbs and subshrubs in the family Haloragaceae, native to Australia. The plants arise from a woody rootstock and send up clumps of erect, wiry, rush-like stems 8-32 inches (20-80 cm) tall that carry small, narrow or scale-like leaves, often shed or reduced on the upper stems. In spring and summer the stems are topped by branched clusters of small yellow flowers, each with four petals, that together form bright heads above the foliage. After flowering the genus produces characteristic hard, four-winged woody nutlets that persist on the stems and aid wind dispersal. Most species grow in open heath, mallee, and woodland on sandy or rocky soils in seasonally dry climates, resprouting from the rootstock after fire or drought. The narrow leaves and slender stems give the plants a sparse, almost leafless look outside the flowering period. G. behrii, called golden pennants, is grown occasionally for its yellow flower heads and winged fruit. The genus is little known in cultivation and tolerant of poor, dry ground.
Native Range
Glischrocaryon is native to Australia, with species across the southern and inland parts of the continent. It grows in heath, mallee, and open woodland on sandy and rocky soils in regions with dry summers.Suggested Uses
Grown in native Australian, dry-climate, and gravel gardens for the yellow flower heads and winged fruit. The wiry stems and persistent nutlets are cut for fresh and dried arrangements. The genus suits low-water plantings on poor sandy soils.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'8"
Width/Spread8" - 1'8"
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring and summer, generally September to January in the southern hemisphere. The small yellow four-petalled flowers are massed in branched terminal clusters held above the stems. Four-winged woody nutlets develop afterward and remain through the dry season.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green to grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
