Description

Metalasia muricata is a hardy, evergreen medium-sized shrub that is very variable in appearance and frost hardiness, depending on the region in which it occurs. This rounded, robust, sturdy shrub has fine silvery grey-green, needle-like foliage. The leaves can be smooth or woolly. In winter, the shrub is covered in honey-scented clusters of tiny white to pinky-purple flowers. The flowers attract many pollinating insects, and the seeds are eaten by birds. Can reach 13' tall. Does best in full sun with well draining, sandy, acidic soil. Excellent plant to include for coastal sand dune stabilization. Lovely shrub for textural and color contrast in the garden. Drought tolerant plant for water-wise gardens. Dried leaves are used as tea in Lesotho. It is useful as a tall filler in flower beds, providing grey-green foliage for color and textural contrast. As it is drought and wind tolerant, it can be used to screen lower plant beds from the wind.