165B-2-Pultenaea-forsythiana-fl-Marilyn-Gray.jpg

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.
Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©

Plant Communities

  • 04 Alpine Ash Montane Wet Forest (EVC 39)
  • 16 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest Central Highlands/UpperYarra (EVC 45)
  • 26 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Middle Yarra (EVC 22)
  • 17 Messmate Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 46 Silvertop Ash Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
  • 13 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Upper Yarra (EVC 18)
  • 15 Scented Paperbark Riparian Thicket - Middle & Upper Yarra (EVC 59)
  • 21 Broad-leaf Peppermint Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
  • 40 Snow Gum Grassy Woodland (EVC 175/37)
  • 07 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 29)
  • 01 Alpine Ash Montane Damp Forest (EVC 38)
  • 32 Silvertop Ash Shrubby Foothill Forest (EVC 45)
  • 03 Narrow-leaf Peppermint Montane damp Forest (EVC 38)
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