Michael Charters, www.calflora.net
Family
Fabaceae
Botanical Name
Acacia craspedocarpa
Plant Common Name
Leatherleaf Acacia
General Description
This unusual acacia is a small tree or large shrub with unique foliage and flowers. It is adapted to dry heat, so it’s perfect for dry southwestern gardens. Leatherleaf acacia is native to the interior of Australia where the seasons are long and dry. It is an upright grower with evergreen spatula-shaped leathery blue green leaves that are much larger than those of other acacias.
This tree blooms from winter into spring with unique flowers held at the ends of the outer twigs. Single stems are topped with small bottlebrush-shaped golden flowers that are highly fragrant. These are followed by round, flat seedpods which resemble the foliage and are retained on the plants.
Full sun and well-drained average to poor sandy soil are best for leatherleaf acacia. Though a great plant for arid gardens, reports suggest it grows more slowly on the coast than in hot inland regions. Its foliage is dense, so it is excellent for screening and wind control. With careful pruning it can be sculpted to acquire a more dense upright habit.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 11
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Sunset Zone
8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
16'-18' / 4.9m - 5.5m
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Width
8'-10' / 2.4m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Winter, Late Winter
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Native To
Australia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow
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Fruit Color
Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Gray Green
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
