Pultenaea daphnoides
large-leaf bush pea
Overview
Pultenaea daphnoides is an erect shrub growing 1-3 m (3-10 ft) tall, with wedge-shaped leaves crowded along the stems. The leaves are obovate, 1-3 cm (0.4-1.2 in) long, dull green, widest near the tip and ending in a short sharp point. In spring, dense rounded clusters of pea-shaped flowers form at the branch ends; each flower is yellow to orange with a red to brownish centre, about 1 cm (0.4 in) long. The clusters sit within leafy bracts and can cover much of the canopy. Flat hairy pods follow, each holding a few seeds that are released as the pods dry and split. The species grows in dry sclerophyll forest, heath, and woodland in sandy or gravelly well-drained soils. As a legume, it fixes nitrogen through root nodules. Limitation: the plant is relatively short-lived and can become open and woody at the base with age.
Native Range
Southeastern Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. It grows in dry sclerophyll forest, heath, and woodland on well-drained sandy or gravelly soils.Suggested Uses
Grown in native and bushland gardens, on dry slopes, and in revegetation of sandy sites. It suits informal screening and habitat plantings for nectar-feeding insects.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Yellow to orange pea flowers open in dense terminal heads in spring, mainly September to November. Flowering can cover much of the shrub for several weeks. Pods ripen and split through early summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow to orange with red centreFoliage Description
dull greenGrowing 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