Acacia longifolia
longleaf wattle
Overview
Acacia longifolia is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree native to southeastern Australia, reaching 10-26 feet (3-8 m) tall with a spreading, often multi-stemmed habit. Like other wattles, mature plants bear flattened phyllodes instead of true leaves; these are bright green, narrow, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long and 0.2-0.8 inch (5-20 mm) wide, with two to four lengthwise veins. From late winter into spring the branches carry cylindrical flower spikes 0.8-2 inches (2-5 cm) long packed with bright yellow flowers, rather than the ball-shaped heads of many acacias. These are followed by narrow, slightly twisted seed pods 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long. As a legume it fixes nitrogen and grows quickly on poor and disturbed soils, including coastal sand. The same vigour has made it a serious invasive weed in South Africa, Portugal, Spain, and parts of the United States, where it forms dense thickets that displace native vegetation.
Native Range
Native to southeastern Australia along the coast and ranges of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and southern Queensland, growing in open forest, woodland, scrub, and coastal dunes.Suggested Uses
Planted for fast screening, windbreaks, dune stabilization, and revegetation of poor soils in mild climates. The winter flowers and quick growth suit temporary or nurse plantings. Its heavy self-seeding and invasive spread limit use near bushland and in many regions abroad.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 26'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
bright greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight