FAMILY:

MIMOSACEAE

Genus:

Acacia

species:

pycnantha

Common name:

Golden Wattle

Name derivation:

Genus: Greek akis - a sharp point; species: refers to the dense heads of flowers.

Growth habit:

Evergreen tree/shrub.

Dimensions:

Height 3-8m, width 2.4m plus.

Foliage:

Phyllodes, linear to broadly oblanceolate, 12-20cm, falcate, glabrous.

Flower:

Globular, borne in racemes with zig-zag stems 8-15cm long, profuse, scented, yellow flowers 60 or more in a drooping panicle from July - October.

Fruit:

Legume pod 8-13cm, flat, straight, leathery.

Other features:

Can become a weed. Frost sensitive. Floral emblem of Australia.

Natural distribution:

Vic, SA, NSW and ACT.

Soils:

Sand or loam.

Natural vegetation:

Eucalypts forest and woodlands, open scrub and heath.

Landcare use:

Shelter, coastal exposure, erosion control. Regenerates after fire. Fast growing. Adds nitrogen to the soil. Ornamental.

Propagation:

Seed.

Pests and diseases:

Gall