Orange Wattle

(Acacia saligna)

Orange Wattle (Acacia saligna)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Acacia saligna, commonly known as Orange Wattle, is an evergreen tree or shrub native to the sandy plains, coastal dunes, and dry scrublands of southwestern Australia. It exhibits rapid growth, often exceeding one meter per year, and typically reaches a height of 2-20 feet (0.6-6.1 meters) with a similar spread of 3-20 feet (0.9-6.1 meters). The plant has a small, dense, spreading form with a short trunk and a weeping habit, which can be visually striking in landscape settings. Its phyllodes (flattened leaf stalks that resemble leaves) are blue-green, adding to its ornamental value. The bright yellow, spherical flower heads appear in clusters of up to ten, blooming in late winter to early spring and are highly attractive to pollinators. Following flowering, it produces seed pods that are leguminous, containing oblong, dark to black seeds.

Orange Wattle is valued for its rapid growth, adaptability to a range of soil conditions, and its ability to thrive with low water requirements once established. It is suitable for use in erosion control, windbreaks, and as a fast-growing ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. In cultivation, it prefers full sun and can tolerate soils with slow, medium, or fast drainage. However, gardeners should be cautious as Acacia saligna can become invasive outside its native range, and it is considered a weed in parts of South Africa, Portugal, and Italy. It is recommended to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Height: 2-20 feet
  • Width: 3-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, 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, Groundcover, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Sandy plains, coastal dunes, and dry scrublands of southwestern Australia

Other Names

Common Names: Golden Wreath Wattle, Blue-Leafed Wattle, Weeping Wattle, Willow Wattle, Western Australian Golden Wattle, Port Jackson Wattle, Coojong, Port Jackson Willow, Blue-Leaf Wattle, Silver Wattle

Scientific Names: , Acacia saligna, Acacia cyanophylla, Acacia bracteata, Acacia lindleyi, Mimosa saligna, Racosperma salignum,

GBIF Accepted Name: Acacia saligna (Labill.) H.L.Wendl.