Pultenaea mollis
Soft Bush-pea
Erect to spreading shrub, sometimes semi-prostrate, with pale curly to twisted hairs on young growth.
Additional information
- FamilyFabaceae
- StoreyMiddle storey
- Size1-3 m x 1-2 m
- Plant groupingShrubs 1.5-10 m
- LeavesNarrow dark green leaves 10-20 mm x 0.3-1.2 mm, flat or round in cross section, tip softly pointed, lower surface hairy, margins inrolled. Brown leaf-like stipules at base strongly curved back.
- Flower colourYellow to orange with red markings.
- Flowering timeSeptember to November
- FlowersTerminal head-like cluster of 4-10 pea flowers to 8 mm wide. Calyx hairy.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsDry to moist soils in open forests and gullies. Tolerates light to moderate frosts. Dappled and semi shade.
- Garden useAn attractive shrub for underplanting or as a background plant in ferneries.
- Commercially availableUnlikely to be available within the Shire of Yarra Ranges
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions but limited in distribution.
- Related speciesThe pea plants can be difficult to identify. All Pultenaeas have stipules, small leaf-like structures, on the stem at the base of the leaf.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Mike Bayly, Alison Kellow ©; 2, 3 Marilyn Bull ©
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