Acacia pycnantha
golden wattle
Overview
Acacia pycnantha is an evergreen tree or large shrub growing 13-26 feet (4-8 m) tall, native to southeastern Australia and recognized as the country floral emblem. Mature plants bear sickle-shaped phyllodes rather than true leaves; these are leathery, dark green, 3.5-6 inches (9-15 cm) long and 0.4-1.4 inches (1-3.5 cm) wide, curved and tapering at both ends. From late winter into spring the branches carry dense sprays of golden-yellow globular flower heads, each about 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) across and containing 40-80 tiny flowers, releasing a sweet scent. Flowering is followed by flattened brown seed pods 2-5.5 inches (5-14 cm) long. As a legume it fixes nitrogen through root nodules and grows on poor soils. The bark yields tannin and a soluble gum. Plants are short-lived, typically 15-30 years, and the species has naturalized as an environmental weed in South Africa, parts of Europe, and other Mediterranean climates where it spreads from seed.
Native Range
Native to southeastern Australia across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory, growing in dry open forest, woodland, and mallee on a range of soils.Suggested Uses
Grown as a fast-screening or specimen tree in dry-climate and native gardens, and used in revegetation and erosion control. The scented spring flowers and nitrogen-fixing roots suit mixed native plantings. Its short life and weedy potential limit use as a long-term feature tree.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height13' - 26'
Width/Spread8' - 20'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark 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