Forest & Kim Starr
Family
Fabaceae
Botanical Name
Acacia retinodes
Plant Common Name
Ever-blooming Wattle, Silver Wattle, Water Wattle
General Description
Bearing its sunny fragrant flowers nearly year-round, this fast growing evergreen shrub or small tree is also noteworthy for its attractive foliage and its adaptability.
In spring large sprays of small golden pompon-like flower heads bow the spreading branches of this acacia, attracting numerous bees. The flowers are nicely complemented by the narrow, willowy, gray-green "leaves", which are actually expanded leaf stems known as "phyllodes." Sporadic rebloom occurs throughout the year if temperatures remain mild. In cooler areas such as Great Britain and the Northwest United States peak bloom is typically in summer or early fall. Small pea-like seed pods follow the flowers, aging to brown. Plants sometimes self-sow.
This sun-loving acacia likes good drainage and tolerates saline, alkaline, and seasonally damp soil. It grows rapidly from seed, making it useful for large roadside or erosion-control plantings. It also makes a good garden specimen, especially where its fragrant flowers can be appreciated at close hand.
This potentially invasive plant has escaped gardens in California, Florida, and other areas through self-sowing.
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, Salt
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Growth Rate
Very Fast
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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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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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Blue Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Blue Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Blue Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Blue Green, Gray 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
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
