Florida hopbush

Dodonaea viscosa

Also known as Florida dodonaea, Dodonaea viscosa f. typica, Dodonaea viscosa var. vulgaris, Switch sorrel

Zones 4–9Sun Full SunWater ModerateCare Low

Tropical Plants · Native Plants · Trees & Shrubs · Drought Tolerant · Xeriscape · Evergreen Shrub · Hedge · Coastal Plant · Tropical Shrub · Windbreak · Low Water · Ornamental Seed Pods · Fast Growing

Pet-safeBeginner-friendlyTropicalMedicinalAttracts pollinators

In stock at 1 nurseryStock updated 9/6/2026

Florida hopbush is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant evergreen shrub that thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it ideal for xeriscape, coastal, or low-water gardens. Its distinctive papery seed pods add ornamental interest and it responds well to pruning as a hedge or windbreak. Very low maintenance once established, it is an excellent choice for warm, dry climates and is virtually pest-free.

Growing conditions

The details behind the basics

Daily light: 8 hours
Watering: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings · Every 10-14 days; highly drought tolerant once established
Maintenance: Low
Soil: loam
Soil pH: 6.5–9.2
Temperature: -25°F to 85°F
Cycle: Perennial
Propagation: Seed

Hardiness

USDA 4b-9b

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Your zone

Form & growth

Mature size and habit

Mature height: 12 in – 3 ft
Spread: 2 ft
Spacing: 60 in apart
Growth rate: Fast
Root depth: Medium
Flowers: No
Foliage: Medium

Ecology & origin

Where it belongs and what it brings

Native to: Afghanistan, Aldabra, Andaman Is., Angola, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Arizona, Assam, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bismarck Archipelago, Bolivia, Borneo, Botswana, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Birds

Sources: trefle, usda

Buy this plant

1 nursery carries it

Ballona Creek Gardens

Distance unavailable · 12428 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

RetailPickupDeliveryDelivery min $200

$8.75–$225.00

In stock1