Dodonaea viscosa
Desert Hop Bush
Family: Fabaceae
Legume shrub that is usually seen at about 3’ tall in our region, but can be found up to 10’ tall. Pea-like flowers in warm weather. More delicate looking than baby bonnets (Coursetia glandulosa). Yellow to pink pea flowers sporadically in March-June and from July-September with the summer rains.
Full to part sun, regular water. Cold hardiness unknown but probably in the low 20s (°F).
Nectar-rich flowers for the pollinators and larval host for the Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis).
Photo by richardabbott, iNaturalist
Coursetia caribae on SEINET
Coursetia is named for George Louis Marie Dumont de Courset (1746-1824), a French botanist, while caribea refers to the Caribbean, where its type is found. There are 39 species of Coursetia native to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America as far south as Brazil and Peru.
Found in oak woodlands, washes and riparian zones, and open sites from 3,000-6,000 ft. Ranges from southeastern Arizona south to central America and into the Caribbean.