Acacia iteaphylla (Willow Wattle) - A dense tall evergreen (evergray) shrub to 10-13 feet tall with intricate angular branching structure with somewhat drooping tips bearing many soft narrow blue-green leaves (phyllodes). Stems and leaves have a distinct red tinge when young. Pale yellow fragrant flowers emerge in late fall to early spring.
Willow Wattle is noted to be drought and lime tolerant as well as tolerant of coastal planting outside of the severe exposure to salt spray. Hardy to below 20 degrees F. A very adaptable and attractive shrub that tolerates most soils, but best in ones that are well drained.
This plant comes southern South Australia extending from the Flinders Ranges across to the Eyre Peninsula. 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. The specific epithet comes from the Greeks word 'itea' meaning "willow" and 'phylla' meaning leaf and it is commonly also known as the Willow-leaf Wattle.
The information about Acacia iteaphylla 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. |