Sydney Golden Wattle

(Acacia longifolia)

Sydney Golden Wattle (Acacia longifolia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Acacia longifolia, commonly known as Sydney Golden Wattle, is a fast-growing evergreen tree or shrub native to coastal areas and stabilized sand dunes in southeastern Australia, including the extreme southeast of Queensland, eastern New South Wales, eastern and southern Victoria, and southeastern South Australia. It typically reaches a height of 7–10 meters (23–33 feet) within five to six years and can grow up to 8 meters (26 feet) tall. The species exhibits smooth to finely fissured greyish bark and produces showy, bright yellow flowers during the spring and winter months, which are highly attractive to pollinators.

Sydney Golden Wattle is valued for its rapid growth, ornamental flowers, and ability to stabilize soil, making it suitable for use in hydroseeding on banks and low maintenance areas like road batters. It is also used as a hedge plant or for screening purposes. In Southern California, it is popular as a street canopy tree due to its quick growth, drought tolerance, and resilience to harsh pruning. Acacia longifolia thrives in full sun and can adapt to a range of soil types, preferring those with medium to fast drainage. It is frost hardy and requires low amounts of water once established. However, it is potentially invasive outside its native range, particularly in Portugal and South Africa, where it out-competes local species. Gardeners should be cautious and check local regulations before planting to avoid contributing to its spread as an invasive species.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Height: 10-20 feet
  • Width: 10-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Coastal areas and stabilized sand dunes in southeastern Australia

Other Names

Common Names: Longleaf Wattle, Sallow Wattle, Sydney Golden Wattle, Coast Wattle, Langblaarwattel, Långbladsakacia, Acácia, Acácia-De-Espigas, Acácia-De-Folhas-Longas, Acácia-Marítima

Scientific Names: , Acacia longifolia, Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia, Acacia longifolia var. longifolia, Mimosa longifolia, Acacia sophora, Racosperma longifolium, Acacia longifolia var. latifolia, Acacia longifolia var. prostrata, Acacia decussata

GBIF Accepted Name: Acacia longifolia (Andrews) Willd.