Hopseed Variants

The Hopseed, scientifically known as Dodonaea viscosa, is a highly versatile and resilient evergreen shrub or small tree, cherished for its adaptability and attractive foliage. This species has a remarkable pantropical distribution, found naturally in arid and semi-arid regions across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Americas (including the southwestern United States and Mexico). It thrives in full sun, well-drained soils, and is exceptionally tolerant of drought, wind, and even salt spray, making it a reliable choice for challenging landscapes. In Phoenix, Arizona, Hopseed variants are widely cultivated due to their ability to flourish in intense heat and arid conditions. As a long-lived perennial, a Hopseed plant can easily live for 20-40 years, with some varieties potentially living for several decades longer, forming a substantial and enduring presence.

The most distinctive characteristics of Hopseed include its dense, somewhat upright to spreading growth habit, making it excellent for hedges, screens, or accent plants. The leaves are slender, elongated (willow-like), and typically somewhat sticky (viscid), giving them a slight sheen. While the inconspicuous flowers are not a primary ornamental feature, they are followed by showy, papery, winged seed capsules that resemble hops (hence “hopseed”) and add considerable visual interest, often turning attractive shades of pink, red, or brown.

Here are some of the most popular Hopseed variants:

Purple Hopseed Bush (Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’)

  • Latin Name: Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’
  • Lifespan: A long-lived perennial shrub, easily living for 20-40 years or more.
  • Native Climate/Landscape: Cultivar selected from Dodonaea viscosa, thriving in hot, dry, sunny conditions similar to its species’ widespread native range (Mediterranean, tropical, subtropical dry regions). It is exceptionally well-suited to the Phoenix, Arizona, climate.
  • Characteristics: This is arguably the most popular cultivar due to its dramatic foliage color. Its narrow, bronzy-green leaves intensify to a rich burgundy-purple or deep reddish-purple in full sun, especially during cooler weather or when stressed. This provides year-round color and a striking contrast in the landscape. It grows quickly to 12-16 feet tall and 8-12 feet wide, with an upright, spreading habit. Inconspicuous greenish flowers are followed by decorative pinkish to brown winged seed capsules. It maintains its best color in full sun and well-drained soil.

Green Hopseed Bush (Dodonaea viscosa ‘Saratoga’ or typical Dodonaea viscosa)

  • Latin Name: Dodonaea viscosa (the species) or selected green forms like ‘Saratoga’.
  • Lifespan: A long-lived perennial shrub or small tree, living for 20-50+ years.
  • Native Climate/Landscape: The species is native to tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions worldwide, demonstrating broad adaptability. In Phoenix, Arizona, it’s a common choice, thriving in hot, sunny, and dry conditions.
  • Characteristics: This variant maintains a lush, vibrant green foliage throughout the year. It has the characteristic upright, branching habit of the species, growing 10-15 feet tall and wide. While the foliage doesn’t offer the seasonal color change of ‘Purpurea’, its consistent green provides a reliable backdrop or screen. It also produces the papery, winged seed capsules, which can be green, pink, or tan. ‘Saratoga’ is a selection known for consistently green foliage.

Sierra Purple Hopseed (Dodonaea viscosa ‘Sierra Purple’)

  • Latin Name: Dodonaea viscosa ‘Sierra Purple’
  • Lifespan: A long-lived perennial shrub, often 20-40+ years.
  • Native Climate/Landscape: Similar to ‘Purpurea’, this cultivar is well-suited to hot, dry, sunny climates like Phoenix, Arizona, providing vibrant color.
  • Characteristics: This cultivar is known for providing an even deeper and more consistent purple foliage than ‘Purpurea’, especially in full sun and cooler temperatures. It generally maintains a slightly more compact growth habit, typically reaching 6-12 feet tall and wide, making it a good choice for smaller spaces where a strong purple accent is desired. It shares the same heat and drought tolerance, making it a robust and visually impactful choice for desert landscapes.

All Hopseed variants are excellent choices for low-water landscapes, providing quick growth, year-round interest, and effective screening or background planting, thriving on minimal care once established. Sources