Dodonaea viscosa
 
Common Names: Florida Hopbush, Varnish Leaf, Hopseed Bush, Sticky Hopbush
 
Zones: 9–11
 
A versatile evergreen shrub or small tree with a global tropical and subtropical distribution, Dodonaea viscosa is native to Florida, the Caribbean, and much of the southern hemisphere. Recognized for its glossy, resinous foliage and papery winged seed capsules, it thrives in coastal scrub, pine rocklands, and disturbed sites. This species is valued for erosion control, windbreaks, and low-maintenance landscaping.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright; multi-stemmed; fast-growing; forms dense thickets
Height: Typically 6–15 ft (1.8–4.6 m); can reach 20 ft (6 m) in ideal conditions
Trunk: Woody stems; reddish to gray-brown; smooth to slightly fissured
Leaves: Lanceolate to obovate; 1–4 in. (2.5–10 cm) long; glossy green; sticky to the touch
Inflorescence: Small, inconspicuous flowers; male and female on separate plants; bloom spring to fall
Fruit: Papery, three-winged capsules; pink to tan; ornamental; dispersed by wind
Ecology: Native to coastal hammocks, pine rocklands, and disturbed areas; stabilizes soil; salt and drought tolerant
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Watering: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Sandy to rocky; well-drained; tolerates poor soils
Temperature: Tolerates 25–100°F (–4 to 38°C); thrives in 70–90°F (21–32°C)
Humidity: Moderate to low; adapted to coastal and xeric zones
Propagation: By seed or cuttings; germinates readily; fast to establish
Tolerance: Salt, wind, drought, and heat tolerant; deer-resistant; suitable for exposed sites
 
Landscape Use
Best suited for coastal gardens, xeric borders, restoration zones, and windbreaks. Its resilience and ornamental seed capsules make it ideal for low-maintenance and erosion-control plantings. Pairs well with Conocarpus erectus, Yucca aloifolia, and Serenoa repens in coastal or fire-adapted designs.