107B-2-Daviesia-ulicifolia-ssp.-ulicifolia-fl-Peter-Kinchington.jpg

Daviesia ulicifolia ssp. ulicifolia

Gorse Bitter-pea

Rigid, tangled shrub with ribbed branchlets. Both branchlets and leaves prickly.

Additional information

  • FamilyFabaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size1.5-2 m x 1-2 m
  • Plant groupingShrubs to 2m
  • LeavesLeaves variable, tapering, narrow, 5-35 mm x 0.5-2 mm. Prominent midvein on upper surface.
  • Flower colourOrange-yellow and yellow-brown
  • Flowering timeJuly to December
  • FlowersFew small pea flowers in leaf axils. Pods triangular.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsDry to moist well drained soils, including rocky sites in mountain forests and lowlands.
  • Garden useVery adaptable in gardens. Useful understorey planting. Prickly nature provides protection and bird habitat.
  • Commercially availableRarely, indigenous nurseries
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
  • Related speciesDaviesia ulicifolia ssp. ruscifolia occurs in wetter parts of the Shire. It has smaller oval to heart-shaped, tapering leaves to 12 mm x 6 mm covered in stiff downy hairs. Foliage similar to Acacia ulicifolia.
Photographer/s: 1, 3 Marilyn Bull ©; 2, 4 Peter Kinchington ©

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  • 08 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest – Dandenongs (EVC 29)
  • 32 Silvertop Ash Shrubby Foothill Forest (EVC 45)
  • 13 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Upper Yarra (EVC 18)
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