Fruits/Seeds
An explosive pea-like pod. Listen for exploding pods on hot summer days.
Field Guide
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Native Wisteria
Did You Know?
- When the seeds are mature the dry, pea-like pods open explosively with a loud crack, throwing the seeds many metres
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.
What to Observe
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First fully open single flower
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Full flowering (record all days)
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End of flowering (when 95% of the flowers have faded)
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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.
