Acacia dealbata

Acacia dealbata - Silver Wattle

Family: Fabaceae (the legume/pea family)

Genus: Acacia

Species: dealbata ssp. dealbata

Synonyms: Racosperma dealbatum, Acacia decurrens var. dealbata.

Common names: Silver Wattle.

Distribution and Status

Distribution: Vic, NSW, Tas

Regional conservation status: Least concern

Local conservation status: Least concern

Status in Knox: Least concern

Remnant populations in Knox: 36

Description

Size: Height: 6-30 m, width: 5-10 m.

Form: Large open tree.

Flowers: lemon to bright yellow ball-shaped flowers. Flowers profusely. July to October.

Leaves: Bluish-green bipinnate leaves. Has a raised gland at the junction of each leaflet. 4-13 cm long.

Requirements: Prefers deep moist soils, but tolerant of both dry and wet. Full sun, semi shade.

Garden Uses

• Fast growing.

• Drought tolerant.

• Useful for erosion control.

• Whilst young, Acacia dealbata provides critical habitat for the Imperial Blue Butterfly. Their caterpillars feed on only a small number of Acacia species.

• Older trees provide excellent habitat in their bark for insects, reptiles and microbats.

• Fixes nitrogen in the soil.

• Bird attracting.

• Ornamental.

Other Uses

• An important Aboriginal plant; axe handles were made from its wood and its gum used as an adhesive, sealant and ointment. Its gum and seeds were also eaten. *

• Used in France to make perfume where it is called Mimosa.

• Flowers are edible. *

• Yellow dye can be made from the flowers and a green dye is from the seed pods.

• Tannin can be obtained from the bark.

*The KES does not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

More Info

• Moderately frost tolerant.

Propagation

• Seed - Scarification is required.

Availability at KES Nursery

Usually available. View stock list.