Acacia vestita (Hairy Wattle) - A dense growing tall evergreen shrub or small tree to 12-15 feet tall by an equal spread. The long pendulous branches are covered with soft gray-green leaves (phyllodes) that are narrow, 1/2 to 3/4 inches long, and held close to the stems. The golden yellow flowers are dense globular heads that are held in loose racemes at the branch tips in the spring. A very adaptable shrub which tolerates both short periods of wet soil as well as fairly dry periods.
Plant in full sun in a well drained soil and irrigate occasionally to infrequently. It is hardy to 20-25 degrees F. Tolerates pruning of young wood (does not regenerate from old wood) but do this after flowering and use care not to neglectfully destroy its beautiful pendulous character. It is an attractive plant, even out of bloom, and stunning when flowering. It can be used as a low wind break or specimen plant.
Hairy Wattle comes from New South Wales, Australia where on the western slopes and southern tablelands. 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 Latin word meaning "covered" or "clothed" in reference to the soft hairs covering the leaves. Another common name used for this plant in Australia is Weeping Boree. This species was introduced into cultivation in California by William Walker at his Golden Gate Nursery in San Francisco in 1858 and we have grown this beautiful plant since 1996.
The information about Acacia vestita 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. |