Oxylobium spp.

shaggy pea

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Oxylobium spp. is a genus of evergreen shrubs in the family Fabaceae, native to Australia, where the plants grow in heath, open forest, and rocky sites. Forms range from low spreading shrubs under 20 inches (50 cm) to erect shrubs 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 m) tall. The leaves are simple, leathery, and set opposite or in whorls, often with recurved margins and a hairy underside, measuring 0.4 to 2 inches (1 to 5 cm) long. Pea-shaped flowers appear in clusters at the branch tips, colored yellow to orange with red or brown markings on the standard petal, each bloom roughly 0.3 to 0.5 inch (8 to 12 mm) across. Flattened or swollen pods follow, holding several hard seeds. As with many Australian legumes, the roots form nitrogen-fixing nodules that allow growth on low-nutrient soils. Several species contain compounds toxic to grazing stock. The genus has been narrowed over time as botanists moved species to Gastrolobium spp. and Podolobium spp., so its limits vary among references. Plants need sharp drainage and full sun, and most tolerate extended dry spells once established but are damaged by hard frost.

Native Range

Oxylobium spp. is endemic to Australia, occurring across the eastern states, the southwest of Western Australia, and parts of the interior. Species grow in heathland, dry sclerophyll forest, and rocky outcrops on sandy or gravelly soils.

Suggested Uses

Oxylobium spp. is grown in native and water-wise gardens, on banks, and in mixed shrub borders in frost-free climates. The spring flowers support native pollinators. Lower-growing species are used as informal groundcover on dry slopes.

How to Identify

Look for evergreen shrubs with simple leathery leaves set opposite or in whorls, often with rolled-under margins and a softly hairy underside. Yellow to orange pea flowers with red or brown markings cluster at the stem tips, followed by small pods. Nitrogen-fixing root nodules and the whorled leaf arrangement help separate the genus from related Australian peas.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 10'

Width/Spread1'6" - 8'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring

Flowering occurs mainly in spring, roughly September to November in the southern hemisphere native range, with some species extending into early summer. The pea-shaped flowers form terminal clusters and draw native bees. Seed pods ripen over the weeks following bloom.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow to orange with red markings

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-4 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Most Oxylobium spp. species grow in full sun on sharply drained sandy or gravelly soils that are low in phosphorus. They tolerate drought once established and suit warm-temperate to subtropical climates without prolonged hard frost. Excess phosphorus fertilizer damages the roots, as with many Australian legumes, so feeding is kept minimal. Plants establish from seed treated with heat or scarification to break dormancy. Steady air movement reduces fungal problems on the foliage in humid conditions.

Pruning

A light trim after flowering keeps the shrubs compact and encourages branching. Removing spent flower clusters can prompt a second flush in some species. Hard cutting into bare old wood seldom resprouts, so cuts stay within leafy growth.