Snyder Preserve - Dodonaea viscosa

Photos by Addie Leimroth

 

Family: Sapindaceae
 
Compound: Dod vis
 
Synonyms: Many (see swbiodiversity.org)
 
Geographic Origin: Warm regions of the old and new world
 
Characteristics: A large evergreen shrub to small tree, typically between 1-3m (3-10ft). Bark on the older woody stems is dark brown and furrowed. Leaves are narrow, oblanceolate and dark green, growing 3.5-10 cm (2-4in) long and 0.3-1.5cm (0.1-0.6in) wide. Leaves are simple, linear, and are arranged alternately along the stems. In the spring, inconspicuous, yellow-green, flowers appear dispersing pollen in the wind. Flowers on this plant are dioecious. After pollination they form a green or rose colored, three winged fruit which fades to a tan color as it dries. 
 
Natural History: Found between 610-1520m (2,000-5,000ft) where it prefers gravelly to rocky soils near washes, in canyons and on hillsides. Often forms dense stands. 
 
Cultivation Notes: Can be grown from seed or cutting. Prefers full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained, and given time to dry out between waterings. Frequent waterings will result in a larger, tree-like plant, while infrequent water creates a smaller, compact shrub. This plant is drought tolerant and can be made into a hedge or barrier. Some plants may suffer damage below freezing but the Arizona form is hardy to about -9C (15F). 
 
For general plant propagation information, click here
 
Ethnobotany: this plant was used to treat ailments such as rheumatic disorders and swollen or inflamed areas. It contains saponin, a poisonous compound characteristic of the family. In landscapes, this plant functions excellently as a hedge or windbreak. The roots can be invasive in maintained landscapes and grow quickly.
 
Citations:
ASU Plant Files. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
https://www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/plants/Plant html files/dodonaeaviscosa.html
 
Australian National Herbarium. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
 
Plants for a Future. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
 
Urban Landscape Committee. Desert Shrubs. Arizona Native Plant Society, 1992. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
 
SEINet Arizona – New Mexico Chapter. Retrieved June 28, 2024.