Maireana brevifolia
short-leaf bluebush
Arid and semi-arid southern Australia
Overview
Maireana brevifolia is an erect to spreading evergreen shrub of the family Amaranthaceae, growing 1.5–3.5 feet (0.5–1 m) tall and 2–5 feet (0.6–1.5 m) wide. The many slender, much-branched stems carry small, fleshy, grey-blue leaves about 0.1–0.3 inch (3–8 mm) long that give the plant a soft, bluish appearance. The flowers are tiny and inconspicuous, followed by papery, disc-shaped fruits with a horizontal wing about 0.2–0.3 inch (5–8 mm) wide that turn pink to straw-coloured as they ripen and persist on the plant. M. brevifolia grows on saline and alkaline soils, clay flats, and disturbed ground across arid and semi-arid southern Australia. It tolerates salt, drought, alkalinity, and grazing, and is used in saltland revegetation, but it can spread from seed onto open ground and is short-lived on heavy, wet soils. Growth opens up and becomes sparse in shade.
Native Range
Native to arid and semi-arid southern Australia, on saline and alkaline soils, clay flats, and disturbed inland sites.Suggested Uses
Used in dry and saline gardens, saltland revegetation, low hedging, and erosion control. Suited to arid, coastal, and alkaline sites in full sun. Spaced 2–4 feet (0.6–1.2 m) apart, or closer for low hedges.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 3'6"
Width/Spread2' - 5'
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering is tiny and inconspicuous, occurring mainly in summer and autumn. The visible feature is the papery winged fruit, pink to straw-coloured, that develops after flowering and persists for weeks. Plants can carry fruit over much of the year in warm conditions.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
grey-blueGrowing 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