Pultenaea forsythiana
Prickly Bush-pea
Open erect shrub which spreads by suckering, especially after fires. Stems covered in short, curly hairs.
Additional information
- SynonymPultenaea juniperina var. mucronata
- FamilyFabaceae
- StoreyMiddle storey
- Size1-3 m x 1-1.5 m
- Plant groupingShrubs 1.5-10 m
- LeavesStiff, narrow prickly blue-green leaves 10-26 mm x 1-3 mm, widest above middle, sometimes paler above. Margins flat or incurved. Stipules 2-3 mm, tip bent back.
- Flower colourYellow-orange and red
- Flowering timeOctober to December
- FlowersShort spikes of lightly fragrant pea flowers in leaf axils.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils, tolerating some drier periods once established. Occurs in moist mountain and foothill forests. Frost and snow tolerant. Full sun to semi shade.
- Garden useAn excellent floral display. Plants need to be placed appropriately because of their prickly, suckering nature. Hard pruning will rejuvenate plants.
- Commercially availableSpecialist Australian plant nursery
- Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
- 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. P. juniperina is very similar, ocurring in Gembrook. It has incurved leaves which are broadest at the base and often heart-shaped. Both sides or the leaves are the same colour.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©
Plant Communities