Pomaderris aspera
hazel pomaderris
Overview
Pomaderris aspera, hazel pomaderris, is an evergreen shrub to small tree growing 2-8 m (6.5-26 ft) tall and 2-4 m (6.5-13 ft) wide, with an upright, often single-stemmed habit. The ovate leaves are 5-15 cm (2-6 in) long, dark green and rough above, with prominent sunken veins and a dense covering of rusty hairs on the underside, resembling the leaves of hazel. Branchlets and new growth are also rusty-hairy. Small cream to pale yellow flowers are massed in large branched panicles at the branch tips in spring. The flowers are followed by small dry capsules holding the seed. It grows in moist forest, fern gullies, and along streams in south-eastern Australia, often appearing quickly as a pioneer after fire or disturbance. The shrub is fast-growing but relatively short-lived. It needs steady moisture and shelter, and the foliage scorches in hot, dry, exposed positions.
Native Range
Native to south-eastern Australia, in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania. It grows in moist eucalypt forest, fern gullies, and along watercourses, often as a pioneer after fire.Suggested Uses
Grown as a fast screening and pioneer shrub in moist native and woodland gardens. Used in revegetation and fern-gully plantings and along watercourses. Suited to shaded, sheltered sites in cool, moist districts.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6'7" - 26'3"
Width/Spread6'7" - 13'1"
Bloom Information
Cream to pale yellow flowers open in spring, mainly October and November, in large branched clusters at the stem tips. The massed flowers draw bees and other insects. Small dry capsules follow and release seed in summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to pale yellowFoliage Description
dark green above, rusty beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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