Acacia leprosa, commonly known as Cinnamon Wattle, is a perennial shrub or small tree native to the open woodlands and forest edges of southeastern Australia, including Tasmania, New South Wales, and Victoria. It typically grows to a height of 10-26 feet (3-8 meters) and has a similar width. Acacia leprosa is characterized by its phyllodes, which are modified leaf stems that are 1-6 inches long, with oil glands that release a cinnamon-like scent when crushed. The lemon-yellow flowers are small but profuse, forming globular heads in the leaf axils, and bloom mainly in late winter to spring, adding a splash of color to the landscape. The fruit is a flat seed pod that matures following the flowering period.

Cinnamon Wattle is valued for its hardiness and ornamental features, including its fragrant phyllodes and showy flowers. It is often used in cultivation for urban planting, border planting, and as a feature specimen due to its manageable size and ease of maintenance. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, it provides habitat and food for native fauna. Acacia leprosa thrives in well-drained soils, tolerates both sunny and lightly shaded conditions, and requires minimal water once established. The cultivar ’Scarlet Blaze’ is notable for its unusual red inflorescences and is a sought-after variety for its unique coloration. Propagation is typically achieved through pretreated seeds or cuttings. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0