Pultenaea pedunculata, commonly known as matted bush-pea, is a prostrate, densely matted shrub endemic to a variety of habitats in southern Australia, including dry sclerophyll forests, coastal heathlands, and alpine grasslands. It is particularly adapted to well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and can be found from New South Wales to Tasmania. The plant typically forms dense carpets up to 3 feet in diameter, with softly-hairy branches that give it a distinctive texture. The narrow elliptic leaves are sparsely hairy, contributing to the plant’s overall soft appearance. The bright yellow to brick-red pea-like flowers are a highlight, blooming mainly from September to December and attracting a variety of pollinators.

Matted bush-pea is valued for its ground-covering abilities, making it useful for erosion control and as an ornamental feature in rockeries and native plant gardens. Its vibrant flowers add color to the landscape during its flowering season. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil, tolerating poor fertility and drought conditions once established. While it is endangered in New South Wales, it remains relatively common in other regions, suggesting that its cultivation could contribute to conservation efforts. Gardeners should be aware that this plant may require protection from grazing animals to ensure successful establishment.CC BY-SA 4.0