Description

Acacia pycnantha

Acacia pycnantha, Acacia pycnantha, commonly known as the Golden Wattle, is Australia’s national floral emblem. It is a small to medium-sized evergreen shrub or tree native to southeastern Australia, renowned for its vibrant, fragrant yellow flowers.

Features:

  • Leaves: Phyllodes (flattened leaf stems) rather than true leaves, which are long, narrow, and bright green.
  • Bark: Smooth and greenish when young, maturing to dark brown and fissured.
  • Flowers: Bright golden yellow, spherical flower heads in large, fragrant clusters.

Attraction Details:

  • Attracts birds, bees, and other insects due to its prolific flowers.

Height:

  • Typically grows between 4 to 8 meters.

Spread:

  • Generally spreads around 2 to 5 meters.

Best Planting Position:

  • Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
  • Ideal for garden borders, erosion control, and as a feature plant in gardens and parks.

Soil Conditions:

  • Thrives in well-drained soils.
  • Tolerates a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
  • Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.

Flowers & Timing:

  • Typically flowers in late winter to early spring.