Pearl Wattle

(Acacia podalyriifolia)

Pearl Wattle (Acacia podalyriifolia)

Nicola van Berkel

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Nicola van Berkel

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Acacia podalyriifolia, commonly known as Pearl Wattle, is an evergreen tree native to open eucalypt woodlands and forest margins in Eastern Australia. It is a fast-growing perennial tree that has been widely cultivated for its ornamental value and environmental management purposes. It has naturalized in regions such as Malaysia, Africa, India, and South America. Pearl Wattle reaches approximately 5 m (16 feet) in height and width, with a rounded canopy. Its phyllodes, which are modified leaf stems that function like leaves, are silvery-grey and contribute to the tree’s distinctive appearance. The bark is smooth to finely fissured, and the branchlets are terete, hairy, and sometimes coated with a fine white powder. Flowering mainly occurs in winter, with spherical, bright golden flower-heads that are 5 to 8 mm in diameter and contain 15 to 30 individual flowers, creating a showy display.

Pearl Wattle is valued for its bright yellow, puffball-like flowers and silvery foliage, which make it a popular ornamental tree in gardens and public landscapes. It is often used for border planting, as a feature tree, and in environmental restoration projects. The tree prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate low water conditions once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It thrives in well-drained soils and can adapt to a range of soil types. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained conditions and may attract pests such as aphids.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 6-20 feet
Width: 6-20 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: Yellow
Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
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, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open eucalypt woodlands and forest margins

Other Names

Common Names: Mount Morgan Wattle, Queensland Silver Wattle, Pearl Acacia, Queensland Wattle, Silver Wattle

Scientific Names: , Acacia podalyriifolia, Acacia podalyriaefolia, Acacia fraseri, Racosperma podalyriifolium, Acacia podalyriifolia var. typica, Acacia podalyriifolia var. viridis, Acacia polydaraefolia,

GBIF Accepted Name: Acacia podalyriifolia A.Cunn. ex G.Don