Willow Acacia
(Acacia salicina)
Willow Acacia (Acacia salicina)
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Sydney Oats
CC BY 2.0
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Sydney Oats
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CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Sydney Oats | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: expom2uk | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Acacia salicina, commonly known as Willow Acacia, is an evergreen tree native to the dry creek beds and floodplains of eastern and central Australia. It typically grows up to 45 feet tall and has a weeping habit, resembling a willow, which is reflected in its common name. The tree’s foliage is narrow and gray-green, providing light, dappled shade. Willow Acacia blooms with creamy-yellow, rod-like flowers from late autumn to early winter, which are moderately showy and attract pollinators. The flowers are followed by seed pods that are decorative and persist on the tree. The seeds are shiny, black, and feature a crimson appendage-like aril.
Willow Acacia is valued for its fast growth, drought tolerance, and ability to adapt to a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils. It is often used in xeriscaping, as a windbreak, and for erosion control on dry banks. Its low water requirements and tolerance of frosts down to -6.7 degrees Celsius (-20 degrees Fahrenheit) make it suitable for arid and semi-arid regions. However, gardeners should be cautious as it can become invasive outside its native range and may produce considerable leaf litter. In cultivation, it requires full sun and can handle very low to low water conditions. It is also used for its timber and as a source of nectar for honey production.CC BY-SA 4.0
Willow Acacia is valued for its fast growth, drought tolerance, and ability to adapt to a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils. It is often used in xeriscaping, as a windbreak, and for erosion control on dry banks. Its low water requirements and tolerance of frosts down to -6.7 degrees Celsius (-20 degrees Fahrenheit) make it suitable for arid and semi-arid regions. However, gardeners should be cautious as it can become invasive outside its native range and may produce considerable leaf litter. In cultivation, it requires full sun and can handle very low to low water conditions. It is also used for its timber and as a source of nectar for honey production.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 20-40 feet
- Width: 15-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low, Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to dry creek beds and floodplains of eastern and central Australia
Other Names
Common Names: Cooba, Native Willow, Broughton Willow, Willow Wattle, Sally Wattle, Black Wattle
Scientific Names: , Acacia salicina, Acacia salicina var. varians, Acacia varians, Acacia salix-tristis, Acacia salicina var. typica, Racosperma salicinum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Acacia salicina Lindl.