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Native Wisteria

The genus name Hardenbergia is named after Franziska Countess von Hardenberg and the species name comptoniana after Mary, 1st Marchioness of Northampton whose husband was Charles Compton.

Twining shrub or climber. Its size varies depending on supporting plants or structures it is growing on.

Leaves

Usually crowded, 3 and sometimes rarely 5 foliate. Leaflets are 4 – 6 cm long., and do not spread very widely. Size approximately 2–4 mm long and 1 mm wide, thick, concavo-convex (concave on both sides) and pointed at ends.

Flowers

Blue to purple and in some cases white. Typical pea shape consisting of 5 petals: the "standard", the "keel" (2 fused petals) and two "wings". Flowers are in an often drooping, elongate cluster.

Fruits/Seeds

An explosive pea-like pod. Listen for exploding pods on hot summer days.

Field Guide

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  • Species Category: Plants
  • Species origin: Native
  • Conservation status: Common
  • Did You Know?
    • When the seeds are mature the dry, pea-like pods open explosively with a loud crack, throwing the seeds many metres

  • What to Observe

    • First fully open single flower

    • Full flowering (record all days)

    • End of flowering (when 95% of the flowers have faded)

    • Open seed pods (record all days)

  • When and Where

    When To Look

    • Flowering from July to October
    • Exploding seed pods on hot summer days

    Where To Look

    • Near the coast of south-west Western Australia and in Central NSW
    • Ranging from just south of Geraldton to Albany in WA
    • Look in sandy soils near coastal limestone, sandplains and dunes

  • What Else?

    Similar Species

    Happy Wanderer (Hardenbergia violacea) is native to south-eastern Australia and only has one leaflet.
  • Trails: Australian National Botanic Gardens ACT, Bibra Lake WA, Canning River Regional Park WA, Ecolinc Bacchus Marsh VIC, Gumblossom Reserve WA, Kings Park & Botanic Garden WA, Kwinana WA, Lake Monger WA, Marlee Reserve WA, Murdoch University WA, Piney Lakes Trail WA, University of Western Australia WA, Waylen Bay Scout Group WA
  • Species Region: Australia