Maureen Gilmer
Family
Fabaceae
Botanical Name
Acacia redolens 'Desert Carpet'(DESERT CARPET™)
Plant Common Name
Trailing Acacia
General Description
Truly uniform growth make this low-growing, uniform clone far more reliable than standard Acacia redolens. In the western United States it is commonly planted in tough locations adjacent to commercial sites and freeways.
Trailing acacia is a native of eastern Australia and is the most widely used prostrate species around the world. Plants bloom in spring with pea-sized yellow puff balls that are concentrated at the base of the leaves along the stems. Its leaves are blue-green, long and densely packed on low shrubby plants that spread over an enormous area providing solid coverage. The stems do not root, but all extend from the central trunk, which allows for easy irrigation. Its cover is so dense that it even out-competes weeds.
Plant trailing acacia on banks and slopes, whether natural or cut. It requires well-drained average to poor soil and full sun. Too often these plants are sheared mercilessly when they grow beyond their limits, which exposes the twiggy network that underlies the foliage. Such pruning practices should be avoided because they spoil the plant's natural beauty, though gentle shaping is acceptable.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 11
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Sunset Zone
8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
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Width
12'-15' / 3.7m - 4.6m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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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
Medium
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Spreading
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Seasonal Interest
Spring
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Blue Green
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Bark Color
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
No
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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
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Groundcover
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
