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Viminaria spp.
native broom
Overview
Viminaria spp. is a monotypic genus in the pea family containing the single Australian species V. juncea, a tall shrub or small tree reaching 2-6 m (6.5-20 ft). Mature plants are nearly leafless, the foliage reduced to scales, so photosynthesis is carried out by slender, drooping green branchlets that hang in a soft, weeping curtain and give the plant a rush-like appearance. Seedlings and young growth bear trifoliolate leaves that are shed as the plant matures. From spring into early summer, short pendulous racemes of yellow to orange-brown pea flowers, each about 1 cm (0.4 in) across, line the branchlets and are followed by small one-seeded pods. The species grows naturally in seasonally wet, sandy soils along swamp margins, creek banks, and winter-wet flats across much of southern Australia. Its roots fix nitrogen through symbiotic bacteria and tolerate periodic waterlogging, but the plant has little drought tolerance once established sites dry out. Growth is upright with weeping branch tips rather than spreading, and the green stems remain photosynthetic year-round. In gardens it is grown for the weeping habit and spring flowers in damp, sunny positions.
Native Range
V. juncea is endemic to Australia, where it grows in seasonally wet, sandy soils on swamp margins, creek banks, and winter-wet flats. Its range covers southern Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, and southern Queensland. It is most common in coastal and near-coastal heath and woodland.Suggested Uses
Grown in bog gardens, pond and dam margins, and damp low spots where its weeping habit and spring flowers suit informal native plantings. Also used for revegetation and erosion control on seasonally wet sandy sites. Tolerates coastal exposure in frost-free districts.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6'6" - 20'
Width/Spread3' - 10'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring and early summer, roughly September to December in the native range. Pendulous clusters of small pea flowers open along the green branchlets over about six weeks. Small papery pods follow and ripen through summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow to orange-brownFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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