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Text derived from the Acacia sections of the 4th
edition of Australian Native Plants
by John Wrigley and Murray
Fagg, published in 1996 by Reed Books Pty Ltd.
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The photograph link for each entry searches the Australian Plant Image Index (APII) to find all the currently available digitized photos. These represent a wide range of photos of varying quality in our collection.
Individual entries for each species, with a selected photo, can be seen and printed from here.
Acacia acinacea
(Previously known as: Acacia rotundifolia )
Gold Dust Wattle
Photographs
Description: Straggling shrub to 2 m high and 1.5 m diameter. Phyllodes
are variable, usually less than 2 cm long; narrow to orbicular. Flowers like
golden balls appear in spring.
Distribution: SA, Vic., NSW.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Will respond to light pruning after flowering.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
Acacia adunca
Wallangarra Wattle
Photographs
Description: Shapely, large shrub to 6 m with 2 m spread. Long narrow
phyllodes to 15 cm tend to droop. Very floriferous, golden ball flowers in late
winter and early spring.
Distribution: Qld., NSW.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. An outstanding species which may be used as a feature plant in a sunny situation.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Recommended for its foliage.
- May be used as a feature plant.
Acacia alata
Photographs
Description: Most unusual shrub to 2 m high by 1 m across. Phyllodes
are almost reduced to cladodes, giving the appearance of winged stems. Each
phyllode is extended into a spine. Two flower forms are noted, one cream, the
other golden yellow. Extended flowering period.
Distribution: WA.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Some shade and good drainage is appreciated. The golden flowered form is preferred.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Recommended for its foliage.
Acacia aneura
Mulga
Photographs
Description: Small tree or large shrub to 7 m high by 7 macross, often
multi-stemmed. Phyllodes are narrow to broad linear, greyish, to 7 cm. Flowers
are rod-like, yellow, and occur in spring or other times, depending on rain.
The timber of this species is used extensively for the mulga-wood ornaments
sold as Australiana souvenirs throughout the country.
Distribution: arid areas of Qld, NSW, SA, WA and NT.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: A hardy plant for drier areas. It has attractive foliage. Full sun and good drainage essential.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Recommended for its foliage.
Acacia baileyana
Cootamundra Wattle
Photographs
Description: Small tree or large shrub to 10 m high by 6 m across.
Leaves are grey, bipinnate and leaflets are linear. Profuse, gold, ball-shaped
flowers occur in late winter. Pods are bluish when young.
Two other foliage forms are in cultivation. One has purplish leaves and has
been known as Acacia baileyana var. purpurea, the other has yellowish
tips.
Distribution: NSW, but naturalized in other areas.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment, or cuttings of fancy foliage types.
Cultivation: A very hardy plant in a sunny situation. Suited to most soils. Flowers sporadically in Brisbane but profusely in southern areas. Good fast-growing screen plant. Purple foliage form is useful foliage contrast.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Recommended for its foliage.
- Suitable hedge or screen plant.
Acacia bancroftii
Photographs
Description: Shrub or small tree to 6 m high. Glaucous, obovate phyllodes
with blunt end to 20 cm long. Lemon-yellow ball flowers in sprays to 8 cm, May
to July.
Distribution: Qld.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Hardy plant in most soils. Full sun.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Suitable for planting in tropical areas.
Acacia beckleri
Barrier Range Wattle
Photographs
Description: Generally erect, open shrub about 2 m high by 1.5 m across
with thick, falcate phyllodes about 12 cm long. Globular, golden flower heads
are very large, about 2 cm diameter, and fragrant. They appear in winter.
Distribution: SA, NSW.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Excellent off-season flowerer.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
Acacia binervata
Two-veined Hickory
Photographs
Description: Medium-sized, dense tree to 16 m high with phyllodes to
12 cm, usually two-veined. Bears cream ball-shaped flowers in spring.
Distribution: Qld. and NSW.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: A hardy plant in most well watered situations. Needs full sun or part shade. Dense shade tree. Used as a fast-growing shelter tree in contrived rainforest at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Flowers are insignificant.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Suitable hedge or screen plant.
Acacia boormanii
Snowy River Wattle
Photographs
Description: Rounded shrub, 2-3 m in diameter with narrow phyllodes
to 8 cm. Bears profuse golden ball-shaped flowers in spring.
Distribution: Vic., NSW.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. An outstanding wattle in flower.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- May be used as a feature plant.
Acacia buxifolia
Box-leaf Wattle
Photographs
Description: Open, erect shrub to 3 m, spreading to 2 m, with elliptical
phyllodes to 3 cm. Masses of small golden ball-shaped flowers appear in spring.
Distribution: Qld., NSW, ACT, Vic.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. A hardy, desirable species.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
Acacia calamifolia
Wallowa
Photographs
Description: Normally rounded shrub to 3 m, but one population in Victoria
reaches 10 m. Phyllodes are narrow, to 8 cm, with bent, pointed tip. Bright
yellow fragrant ball flowers appear in spring.
Distribution: SA, Vic., NSW.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
Acacia cardiophylla
West Wyalong wattle
Photographs
Description: Rounded shrub to 2.5 m spreading to 3 m with feathery,
light green bipinnate leaves. Bears bright yellow ball-shaped flowers in spring.
Distribution: NSW.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. There has been some success with cuttings.
Cultivation: Well-drained soil required. Defoliation occurs in badly drained soil. A good foliage plant.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Recommended for its foliage.
Acacia complanata
Photographs
Description: Rounded shrub to 3 m, sometimes taller. Stems flattened
and slightly reddish. Phyllodes elliptical to 10 cm, light green. Flowers are
in deep yellow balls from spring to autumn.
Distribution: NSW, Qld.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Prefers sandy soil in full sun or part shade. Has been observed to flower after rain. Useful low screen.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Suitable hedge or screen plant.
- Attractive bark or trunk.
- Suitable for planting in tropical areas.
Acacia concurrens
Photographs
Description: A small tree which may reach 10 m high, but generally
smaller. The phyllodes are obliquely obovate with the lower margin more or less
straight. They are up to 16 cm long. The rod shaped flowers are bright yellow
and borne in pairs in the upper leaf axils. They are seen from late winter to
early spring.
Distribution: southeast Queensland to northern New South Wales.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: A hardy and fast-growing tree for coastal districts. May be used as a screen or shelter for younger plants. Most soils are satisfactory and full sun is recommended.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Suitable hedge or screen plant.
Acacia conferta
Crowded-leaf Wattle
Photographs
Description: Rounded shrub to 2 m with linear phyllodes to 1.5 cm,
variable in denseness of growth. Globular flowers on slender peduncles held
beyond phyllodes appear in spring.
Distribution: NSW, Qld.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny positions in most soils. Very desirable plant. Good, dense clones should be preferred. Needs good drainage.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
Acacia conspersa
Photographs
Description: Open shrub to 1.5 m with slightly pendulous habit. Narrow
phyllodes to 8 cm and rod-shaped flowers.
Distribution: NT.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Open sunny position with good drainage. Good ornamental.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Suitable for planting in tropical areas.
Acacia continua
Thorn Wattle
Photographs
Description: Stiff, much-branched, rounded shrub to 1 m high by 70
cm across. Phyllodes rigid, often hooked, to 3 cm long. Bears large yellow ball-shaped
flowers in winter and early spring.
Distribution: NSW, SA.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Dry, warm position preferred. Occasionally tends to become woody at base but regular light pruning may overcome this. Good early flowerer. Frost tolerance not fully tested.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Recommended for its foliage.
Acacia craspedocarpa
Photographs
Description: Dense, rounded shrub to 2.5 m high by 1.5 m. Phyllodes
are broadly elliptical, grey and about 2 cm long. Flowers in short, golden spikes
appear in spring and various times through the year. Flat, rounded pods are
also a feature.
Distribution: WA.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Suitable as a low screen plant, not for a formal hedge. Needs well-drained soil. Very hardy in drought but also grows well and flowers well in Coffs Harbour.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Recommended for its foliage.
- Suitable hedge or screen plant.
- Has attractive fruit.
Acacia cultriformis
Knife-leaf Wattle
Photographs
Description: Generally erect shrub to 2.5 m high by 2 m across with
grey, triangular-shaped phyllodes. Bears golden ball-shaped flowers in spring.
Distribution: NSW, Qld.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Needs a well-drained, sunny position. Good grey-foliaged plant.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Recommended for its foliage.
- May be used as a feature plant.
Acacia dealbata
Silver Wattle
Photographs
Description: Variable tree from multi-stemmed shrub-like specimens
of 8 m to tall trees of 30 m high with greyish-green bipinnate leaves. Bears
cream ball-shaped flowers in spring.
Distribution: NSW, ACT, Vic. and Tas. Also introduced in South Australia.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: A hardy but unspectacular tree. Most soils and aspects are suitable.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
Acacia deanei subsp. paucijuga
(Previously known as: Acacia paucijuga)
Deane's Wattle
Photographs
Description: Large bushy shrub or small tree to 10 m high. Bipinnate
leaves are dull green. Bears cream ball flowers in summer.
Distribution: NSW, Vic.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Useful, hardy screen plant. Most soils are suitable and it will accept very dry conditions.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Suitable hedge or screen plant.
Acacia decurrens
Early Black Wattle, Green Wattle
Photographs
Description: Erect, medium-sized tree to 15 m high with a green trunk
and dark green bipinnate leaves. Very fine leaflets. Bears golden ball-shaped
flowers in spring.
Distribution: Qld. and NSW (naturalized in Vic., Tas. and ACT).
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: A hardy tree in most situations. Very fast-growing but short lived as a result of borer attack.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Suitable hedge or screen plant.
Acacia denticulosa
Photographs
Description: An erect, sparsely branched shrub to 2 m high by 3 m across.
The thickly textured, broadly elliptical phyllodes are up to 7 cm long, toothed
and with a rasp-like surface. The golden rod-shaped flowers are up to 7 cm long
and seen in spring.
Distribution: WA (rare)
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Difficult to maintain in the eastern states. Dry situation is suggested.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Recommended for its foliage.
Acacia dimidiata
Swamp Wattle
Photographs
Description: Tall, bushy shrub 5 m high by 3 m. Thick, more or less
elliptical phyllodes have an accentuated curve on one side. Golden rod-shaped
flowers are borne in terminal sprays from April to June.
Distribution: WA, NT, Qld.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Excellent garden or screen plant. Showy in flower and interesting foliage. Full sun and good drainage recommended.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Recommended for its foliage.
- May be used as a feature plant.
- Suitable hedge or screen plant.
- Suitable for planting in tropical areas.
Acacia doratoxylon
Currawang, Lancewood, Spearwood
Photographs
Description: Large, rounded shrub to 6 m or occasionally an erect,
small tree. Long, narrow phyllodes to 15 cm. Bears yellow rod-shaped flowers
in spring
Distribution: NSW, ACT, Vic.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Needs a well-drained, dry position. Good screen plant in its rounded shrub form.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Suitable hedge or screen plant.
Acacia drummondii
Photographs
Description: Rounded shrub, usually less than 2 m, with dark green
bipinnate foliage. Golden-yellow flowers in spikes to 3 cm appear in spring.
Distribution: WA.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Outstanding shrub, prefers some shade and good drainage. Slightly frost tender.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Suitable for poorly drained areas.
- Recommended for its foliage.
- May be used as a feature plant.
Acacia dunnii
Photographs
Description: Shrub or small tree to 7 m high. Large, falcate, glaucous
phyllodes to 30 cm long by 20 cm wide. Probably the largest phyllodes of all
wattles. Golden ball flowers, 2 cm diameter most of the year.
Distribution: WA, NT.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Spectacular foliage plant. Very cold sensitive. Minimum temperature should be more than 10*C. Good drainage and a sunny position recommended.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Recommended for its foliage.
- May be used as a feature plant.
- Suitable for planting in tropical areas.
Acacia elongata
Swamp Wattle
Photographs
Description: Open, erect shrub to 3 m by 1.5 m with long, linear, stiff
phyllodes to 12 cm. Bears golden ball-shaped flowers in spring.
Distribution: damp places in NSW.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny positions in most soils. Will accept damp situations.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Suitable for poorly drained areas.
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Resistant to salt spray.
Acacia erinacea
Photographs
Description: Spreading, rigid, much-branched shrub to 1 m high by 1.5
m across. Grey-green phyllodes, narrow-elliptical to 8 mm. Branchlets are spiny
and new growth reddish. Bears yellow ball-shaped flowers in winter and spring.
Distribution: SA, WA.
Propagation: From scarified seed or cuttings, the latter being very successful.
Cultivation: This species appears to have potential as tall ground cover. Needs full sun and good drainage. Frost tolerance not yet tested.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Ground cover, when some height is required.
- Recommended for its foliage.
Acacia extensa
Wiry Wattle
Photographs
Description: Erect shrub to 2 m, sometimes more in cultivation, with
long, terete phyllodes to 20 cm on angular stems. Bears yellow ball-shaped flowers
in spring.
Distribution: WA.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Interesting foliage and stem markings.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Recommended for its foliage.
- Attractive bark or trunk.
Acacia falcata
Hickory Wattle, Sally
Photographs
Description: Erect, tree-like shrub to 4 m with slender trunk and falcate
phyllodes to 15 cm. Bears cream coloured ball-flowers in early winter.
Distribution: NSW, Qld.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Very hardy. Often seen on cleared land around Sydney. Frequently used to revegetate road batters.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
Acacia falciformis
Broad-leaved Hickory, Hickory Wattle
Photographs
Description: Slender tree to 10 m. Phyllodes are sickle shaped, to
20 cm. Bears cream ball-shaped flowers in spring and early summer.
Distribution: Qld., NSW, Vic.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Hardy in well-drained, sunny situations.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
Acacia farnesiana
Mimosa Bush
Photographs
Description: Straggly, many-branched shrub to 3 m high. Spiny stems
with bipinnate leaves to 5 cm long. Golden ball-flowers are strongly perfumed.
Distribution: Tropics of the world.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Believed to have been introduced to Australia before European settlement (usually regarded as the cut-off for native vs exotic), from
Central America (where it is native) via the Philippines. Also found in subtropical and tropical America, Africa and Asia, often being
naturalised. The species is widely grown in southern France for the perfume industry. Hardy in dry conditions.
Warning - this plant is fast becoming a major pest weed in the dryer parts of Australia .
Special horticultural attributes:
Note: While often found in cultivation, its further use is discouraged due to its weed potential.
Acacia fimbriata
Brisbane Golden Wattle
Photographs
Description: Small tree or rounded shrub to 7 m high by 6 m across.
Phyllodes are narrow-lanceolate, to 4 cm and usually with hairs near the base.
Profuse yellow, ball-shaped flowers occur in spring.
Distribution: Qld., NSW.
Propagation: From seed.
Cultivation: Hardy in most situations. Adequate water is required. Good, dense, screen plant.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Suitable hedge or screen plant.
- Suitable for planting in tropical areas.
Acacia flexifolia
Bent-leaf Wattle
Photographs
Description: Small, erect shrub to 1 m or slightly more. Phyllodes
narrow, about 2 cm long, sometimes glaucous. Bears small yellow ball flowers
in late winter.
Distribution: Qld., NSW, Vic.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Glaucous leafed form is most desirable. Well drained, dry position is most suitable.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Suitable for poorly drained areas.
Acacia floribunda
Sally Wattle, Gossamer Wattle
Photographs
Description: Tall, bushy shrub or small tree to 6 m. Phyllodes linear to narrow elliptical to 10 cm long. Bears cream flowers in rods to 4 cm long in early spring.
Distribution: NSW, Qld., Vic.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Good, fast-growing screen plant, particularly for coast where adequate moisture is available. A dwarf form which only reaches about 1 m high is available commercially. It forms a dense rounded shrub.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Suitable hedge or screen plant.
Acacia genistifolia
(Previously known as: Acacia diffusa )
Spreading Wattle
Photographs
Description: Spreading shrub to 2 m by 2 m with rigid, needle-like
phyllodes, dark green and varying in length from 2-5 cm. Bears large, ball-shaped,
cream-coloured flowers in winter and early spring.
Distribution: NSW, ACT, Vic., Tas.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Very hardy species which flowers in the off-season.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
Acacia glandulicarpa
Hairy-pod Wattle
Photographs
Description: Spreading shrub 1 m high with a spread of 3 m and more. Small, bright green phyllodes give neat appearance all year. Flowers are bright yellow balls which appear in spring.
Distribution: Vic.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Will grow in a sunny position in most soils. Performs well on coast and tablelands.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Ground cover, when some height is required.
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
Acacia glaucoptera
Flat Wattle
Photographs
Description: Unusual, straggling shrub to 1 m high and 1 m across.
Wing-like phyllodes appear like cladodes with yellow globular flowers emerging
from central stems in spring.
Distribution: WA.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Foliage is unique. Good drainage is essential. In cultivation, dead wood often mars the appearance. judicious pruning may overcome this problem.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Recommended for its foliage.
Acacia gunnii
(Previously known as: Acacia vomeriformis)
Ploughshare Wattle
Photographs
Description: Stiff, woody shrub to 40 cm. Dark green phyllodes are
triangular and sharp-pointed. Cream coloured flowers appear in spring.
Distribution: SA.Vic. ACT. NSW. Tas.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Needs a well-drained position in sun or par shade. May spread to 60 cm in cultivation.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
- Suitable for a small rockery pocket.
- Recommended for its foliage.
Acacia hakeoides
Hakea-leaf Wattle
Photographs
Description: Rounded shrub to 3 m high, sometimes taller, with oblanceolate
phyllodes to 12 cm. Bears yellow flowers in winter and spring.
Distribution: WA, Qld., NSW, Vic., SA.
Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.
Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Very hardy species.
Special horticultural attributes:
- Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )
Acacia holosericea
Photographs
Description: Spreading shrub to 3 m by 4 m with large, obovate, very
glaucous phyllodes. Bears yellow rod-shaped flowers. Masses of twisted pods
are a feature of the plant even after the seed has fallen.
Children of the Mt Isa area are reported to refer to the twisted pods as 'soap', as they are sticky and tend to remove dirt from the skin when crushed in the hands.