Indicator value
Golden bluebush is a decreaser species. In abundance, the plant is a reliable indicator of good or improving pasture condition.
Golden bluebush is known to set seed only after winter rain and these seeds are only viable for a year. Plants that are heavily grazed before winter rains tend to produce very little seed. It is recommended that pastures containing golden bluebush are rested over the summer so that sufficient seed can be produced when rainfall effective for reproduction is received.
Forage value
Golden bluebush is a valuable fodder shrub with relatively high crude protein levels and digestibility.
Habitat
Saline and alkaline soils
General description
Golden bluebush is a compact, rounded shrub growing to about 50cm. The branches are woolly and bear thin, succulent leaves up to 10–15mm long. The leaves are alternate and can be hairless or covered with sparse to dense woolly hairs. The flowers are small and are held between the leaf base and the stem. The seed capsule is woody and about 4mm across, surrounded by a showy seed case with a papery golden wing up to 20mm across.