Indigofera australis

Austral Indigo

Open spreading shrub.

Additional information

• FamilyFabaceae
• StoreyMiddle storey
• Size1-2.5 m x 1-2 m
• Plant groupingShrubs 1.5-10 m
• LeavesBlue fern-like leaves to 10 cm long. Leaflets 11-25, oblong with rounded end, small point on tip, 10-40 mm x 5-9 mm.
• Flower colourMauve
• Flowering timeSeptember to December
• FlowersSprays of pea flowers to 15 cm long in leaf axils.
• Bird attractingNo
• Butterfly attractingBoth food for caterpillars and nectar for butterflies.
• Frog habitatNo
• Growing conditionsWell drained soils in foothill and dryish forests. Tolerates light frosts. Full sun to semi shade.
• Garden useA very floriferous shrub with branches bowed down by weight of flowers. Pruning beneficial to maintain shape. Can be grown as an undershrub, looks good mass planted.
• Commercially availableGenerally
• Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
• Aboriginal Use Roots, leaves pounded - poison fish, flowers - dye

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