The Hopseed is found throughout Arizona. It is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that can grow 12 – 15 ft. tall with an equal width. It blooms greenish yellow flowers in spring and fall. The Green Hopseed Bush is an ideal xeriscape plant in Phoenix. It can be grown as an informal hedge or a patio tree.
Form: shrub or tree
Seasonality: evergreen
Size: 12-15ft with equal spread
Leaves: dark green narrow linear leaf, alternate; top glossy underside lighter
Flowers: small clusters of greenish-white flower; bloom in early spring
Fruit: 3-sided pod containing 3 seeds; green aging to tan; flat papery wings
Stems/Trunks: exposed trunk with gnarled character when pruned up
Range/Origin: Arizona and Mexico and elsewhere; in washes
Hardiness: to mid teens
Exposure: full sun, okay in part shade
Water: low, drought tolerant; supplemental water improves ornamental quality
Soil: tolerant, good drainage
Propagation: seed
Maintenance: minimal; pruning to tree shape if desired
Other Features: Oleander alternative. Decorative papery fruits attract birds.
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Also try D. viscosa v. purpurea, which has bronze-purple leaves.
