Homalanthus populifolius
bleeding heart
Overview
Homalanthus populifolius is a fast-growing evergreen small tree reaching 10-20 feet (3-6 m) tall, with an open, sparsely branched crown and soft, brittle wood. The leaves are broadly heart- to diamond-shaped, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, on long slender stalks that let them flutter, glossy green above and paler beneath. Older leaves turn bright red one or a few at a time before dropping, the source of the common name bleeding heart. Cut stems and leaves exude a milky latex. Slender greenish flower spikes 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long appear at the branch tips, followed by small two-lobed capsules. Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer. As a pioneer species it grows quickly on cleared and disturbed ground, often several feet a year, but it is short-lived, typically 10-15 years. The latex sap can irritate skin and eyes. Branches are easily broken in wind.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Victoria through New South Wales to Queensland, with related forms in New Guinea and the Pacific. Grows on rainforest margins, in clearings, and along watercourses on moist, well-drained soils, usually in warm, frost-free situations.Suggested Uses
Planted as a fast nurse and shade tree in rainforest regeneration and shaded gardens in warm climates, spaced 8-12 feet (2.4-3.6 m) apart. The quick growth gives early cover for slower-growing species. Its short life, brittle wood, and irritant sap limit its use as a long-term or high-traffic specimen.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 20'
Width/Spread8' - 15'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Slender green flower spikes appear mainly in spring and summer, roughly September to February. The small flowers are wind- and insect-pollinated and are followed by two-lobed capsules. Scattered flowering can occur at other times in warm, frost-free climates.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
glossy green, red when ageingGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-7 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part shade to full sun in moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and establishes very quickly on disturbed ground. Young plants need regular water and shelter from frost, which kills or cuts back the soft growth. Growth is rapid but the wood is soft and brittle, and limbs break in strong wind. As a short-lived pioneer it is often used to nurse slower rainforest species and is later replaced. The milky latex irritates skin and eyes on contact.Pruning
Tolerates pruning and reshoots from cut stems, which can be used to control its height and open habit. Removing lower branches forms a clearer trunk. The soft wood means broken or storm-damaged limbs are trimmed back as they occur.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons