Acacia longifolia (Golden Wattle) - A fast-growing bushy evergreen shrub or small tree to 20 feet tall by as wide with 5 to 7 inch long light green leaves (phyllodes) that have prominent parallel veins. The fragrant golden yellow flowers in 1- to 2-inch-long cylindrical clusters appear in winter to early spring along the end of branches.
Plant in full sun and irrigate occasionally to infrequently – this is a drought tolerant plant in coastal gardens, and it is also salt tolerant, so a useful for seaside conditions. It is cold hardy to 20 degrees F.
Golden Wattle is useful as a screen or windbreak; often seen as freeway plantings but this plant should not be planted adjacent to natural areas, particularly near riparian or dune areas as there is potential for this plant to invade these areas. This plant was originally collected along the South-eastern coast of Australia by Joseph Banks, the botanist on the James Cook's exploration of Australia in 1770 and was offered by nurseries in England as early as 1788. It was introduced into cultivation in California by William Walker at his Golden Gate Nursery in San Francisco in 1860. It has naturalized outside its native habitat in numerous locations in the world, becoming invasive in other parts of Australia (Victoria, New South Wales), in New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, Brazil and on disturbed sites in California. The name Acacia comes either from the Greek word 'akazo' meaning "to sharpen" or from the Egyptian word 'akakia', a name given to the Egyptian Thorn, Acacia arabica and the specific epithet refers to the long phyllodes. Other common names include Long-leaved Wattle and Coast Wattle.
The information about Acacia longifolia displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |