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.