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Acacia saligna

Image of Acacia saligna

Maureen Gilmer

Family

Fabaceae

Botanical Name

Acacia saligna

Plant Common Name

Blueleaf Wattle, Golden Wreath Wattle

General Description

This fast-growing tree is ideal for arid climates where many others will not grow. Golden wreath wattle offers clusters of golden flowers in the spring and an informal but appealing look the rest of the season. It is native to southwestern Australia where it inhabits open plains and rugged lands.

When mature it develops a spreading crown with low branches. Its blue-green leaves are long and narrow, almost needle-like, and widely spaced on the branches. In spring it becomes covered with fragrant clusters of golden pea-sized flowers that attract many bees. The flowers are followed by marginally attractive pendulous pods.

Full sun is a must for this tree. It is adapted to a wide range of well-drained soil types, especially poor ones. It takes well to pruning, though it’s best done right after flowering, and has a tendency to sucker. This species is easily grown from seed. It will develop a deeper root system if deeply watered when young. Older specimens can be creatively pruned to create a truly sculptural plant.

Like most Acacia this tree fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil via mutually beneficial bacteria that live in nodules along its roots.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 10

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m

  • Width

    15'-20' / 4.6m - 6.1m

  • Bloom Time

    Spring

  • Native To

    Australia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Very Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow, Gold

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Blue Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Screening / Wind Break, Shade Trees

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes