Hopseed Bush, Hop Bush, Akeake

Frost Tolerance: The green form is hardy to 15° F (-9°C), the red form to 26° F (-3°C)

Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun, the red form doesn't turn fully red in the shade.

Origin: Australia, NewZealand, tropical regions around the world

Growth Habits: Evergreen bush or small tree, short-lived, fast growing up to 12 to 15 feet tall and wide (3.6-4.5 m); alternate, linear, glossy leaves, 2 to 5 inches long (5-12 cm), 0.25 to 0.8 inch wide (1.2-2 cm), with lighter colored undersides

Flowers: Insignificant flowers, in late spring to early summer

Watering Needs: Little to abundant water when established, needs good drainage

Propagation: Seeds in spring, cuttings in summer

Hop Bush (Dodonaea viscosa), U.S.D.A. Drawing, courtesy Hunt Institute

The green form is more cold resistant than the red one. The red one is greenish-red in summer and turns red in the fall.

Blooming Habits:
The greenish-yellow flowers of the hop bus are insignificant. Male and female flowers are generally on different trees.

Fruiting Habits:
Pendant 3-sided pod 0.5 to 1 inch long (12-25 mm), with 3 or 4 papery wings, containing 3 seeds, in late summer. The fruits have been used as a substitute for hops.