Family
Fabaceae
Botanical Name
Acacia salicina
Plant Common Name
Cooba, Willow Acacia
General Description
This acacia has a weeping habit and willow-like foliage, hence the common name. Like many acacias, it is adapted to hot, arid conditions and is very tough. It’s found across much of Eastern Australia in sunny thickets and open areas. In time it becomes a upright tree with a large dense canopy. It has a tendency to sucker, like willows do, which can be problematic in the landscape.
The leaves of willow acacia are long, thin and dark green. It bears clusters of pea-sized flowers that are fragrant, cream colored and not particularly showy. These are followed by narrow seed pods filled with seeds that drop to the ground and will germinate when growing conditions are right.
Full sun and perfectly drained soil are a must for this tree. It is an exceptional desert plant and performs well in the southwestern United States where winter cold is brief or minimal. Prune periodically to thin the canopy and reveal its naturally weeping character. Provide deep water in the summer to encourage a deeper more expansive root system, particularly in communities where seasonal gales commonly cause tree damage.
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, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
20'-40' / 6.1m - 12.2m
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Width
12'-15' / 3.7m - 4.6m
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Bloom Time
Fall, Winter
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Native To
Australia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Yellow
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Fruit Color
Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Gray
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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
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
