Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Melicytus crassifolius
Thick-Leaved Mahoe
- Family
- Violaceae
- Height
- 8 to 12 feet
- Width
- 6 to 10 feet
- Flower color
- Tiny pale green to yellow green flowers often inconspicuous
- Foliage color
- Small gray green oval leaves sparsely arranged along distinctive zigzagging dark gray to black branches
- Bloom time
- Late spring, often May to June
- Light
- Full sun to light partial shade
- Water
- Low
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 8 to 10
- Wildlife
- Birds that feed on the small white to pale purple berries
About this plant
Melicytus crassifolius produces small greenish-yellow flowers in late spring, the modest blooms appearing close along the slender stems. The blossoms are followed by pale berries that develop later in the season. Thick, rounded leaves grow sparsely along the branches, displaying gray-green tones and a leathery texture. The compact foliage and rigid branching create an open, sculptural framework that remains visible throughout the year.
Native to New Zealand, Melicytus crassifolius grows naturally in coastal and rocky habitats. In gardens it contributes architectural form to borders, gravel gardens, and dry landscapes where the unusual branching and small leaves add texture and visual interest.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Coastal Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Bird Gardens
Companion plants
Daphne · Pearlbush · Bluestar · Rock cress · Pampas Grass · Pasque flower
Design tip
Use Melicytus crassifolius as a sculptural accent where its unusual branching can be seen clearly rather than crowded by neighboring plants. Surround it with lower-growing plants or groundcovers to preserve views of its open framework and emphasize its distinctive form.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Washington Park Arboretum.
