CHAMAECYTISUS PALMENSIS - TAGASASTE - TREE LUCERNE-Fast growing,great for nectar for pigeons,tuis,etc.can be trimmed. Is often used for nurse treeS to get other plants established beneath, then is removed.  Suitable for firewood. fodder,or shelter.  Flowers all year round in beginning early Spring through to late Autumn,when food is in short food supply for bees and birds. Also used as a quick growing hedge. Height 3-4m width 3m. Fantastic for BEES as it is high in pollen. for nectar,  has a long flowering season.Suitable for green fodder for sheep,cattle,goats,pigs,horses,deer,ostrich,emu and unfortunately when very small Rabbits.  Suitable for nurse crop for natives, nitrogen fixing, deep rooted.Withstands drought and wind. Evergreen.

Grow in full sun in well drained soil. Leaves consist of 40mm long 3 narrow hairy leaflets and in winter and spring there appear numerous clusters of 12mm long white narrow pea shaped flowers, followed by flat seed pods.Tree Lucerne can be frost tender if very small, but adult plants are fine down to minus 5oC.

Tree Lucerne honey is white and mild flavoured.Suitable for firewood. Can also be trimmed as a low hedge. A lot of research has been done on the benefits, food value, and uses of this plant. See article on this plant which is very informative. Look under fact sheet Tagasaste

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