Vachellia pennatula, commonly known as Fern-Leaf Acacia, is a semi-deciduous shrub or small tree native to dry forests, savannas, and thorn scrub in Mexico, Central America and South America. It typically grows to a height of 12-20 feet (4-6 meters) and a width of 12-20 feet (3.7-6.1 meters). The plant is characterized by its finely divided, fern-like foliage and a spreading, often multi-stemmed form. It produces clusters of small, yellow, puffball-like flowers that are quite showy when in bloom, followed by seed pods that are attractive to various wildlife species.

Fern-Leaf Acacia is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and as a low-maintenance ornamental in arid and semi-arid regions. It is used for reforestation projects, erosion control, and as a shade tree in rural and urban landscapes. This species prefers full sun and can handle a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. While it is relatively pest-free, it can become invasive outside its native range, so caution is advised when planting it in areas where it may spread aggressively.CC BY-SA 4.0