Wattles

Wattle Seed Comparison

Wattles are members of the genus Acacia and belong to the family Mimosaceae. There are about 750 species of Acacia found throughout Australia. Australia's national floral emblem is Golden Wattle, Acacia pycnantha. Wattle Day is celebrated on 1 September.

Where do they Occur?

Their habitat ranges from coastal to sub-alpine regions and from high rainfall to arid inland areas. Acacias also occur in Africa, South America and throughout other warm areas of the world.

Flowers and Foliage

Wattles show a range of foliage and flower types. The true leaves are divided into leaflets (bipinnate), but a large group of wattles develop modified flat leaf-like structures (called phyllodes (flattened stems) soon after germination.

A few species lack true leaves or phyllodes; in these plants modified stems (called cladodes) function as the leaves.

The foliage colour of wattles ranges from light or dark green to blue or silver-grey.

Flowering times of wattles vary greatly, with the bulk of species flowering in spring and summer. Other species flower during autumn and winter and, with careful selection, it is possible to have flowering wattles in the garden at all times of the year. The flower heads are either spherical or cylindrical.

Flower heads vary in colour through cream, pale yellow to gold. One species (Acacia purpureapetala) has purple flower heads. The flower heads of many species are delicately perfumed.

Wattles as Garden Plants

Wattles make excellent garden plants. They range from prostrate and low-growing species to larger shrubs and shade trees. Most respond to pruning immediately after flowering and, if carried out regularly, pruning can extend the life of the plant.

The main pests are stem borers which can be controlled by probing with flexible wire or by injecting a few ml of alcohol into the holes. Galls are often more difficult to control, but removing the effected branches can reduce the problem.  Acacia bug (Eucerocoris tumidiceps) can cause damage to the foliage of wattles with phyllodes and is difficult to control. Treatment with a systemic insecticide may be required.

Wattles are a good source of pollen, some species are popular with bee-keepers. The seeds are also an important source of food for birds. Some wattle seeds also provided a food source for the Aborigines. Mostly they were ground into a flour and cooked like damper.

Propagation

Propagation from seed is the most common method. Seeds are readily available and can be stored for many years. The very hard seed coat needs to be scarified (worn away) or softened before water can enter and germination can take place. Pouring boiling water over the seeds and leaving them to soak for 24 hours will usually soften them. The infertile seeds will float to the surface and should be discarded. Swollen seeds can be sown, the others can be re-treated.

Many species of Acacia can be grown from cuttings using firm new seasons growth. Cuttings from species with phyllodes are easier to strike than those with bipinnate leaves.

Commonly Grown Wattles

Text derived from the Acacia sections of the 4th edition of Australian Native Plants by John Wrigley and Murray Fagg, to be published in 1996 by Reed Books Pty Ltd.

The location of these plants in the Australian National Botanic Gardens is based on an electronic mapping system (MapInfo) currently being assessed.

Only a few sections in the centre of the Gardens have been mapped using this system
 and the locations for the species below are based on those sections mapped so far. Where the location in the Gardens is designated as None, it means that the plants are not present in the few sections already mapped - they may exist elsewhere in other sections.

Photos for the following listing can be found at:

http://www.anbg.gov.au/images/photo_cd/mimosaceae/

You will have to be online (or on broadband)

Acacia acinacea 

(Previously known as: Acacia rotundifolia )

Gold Dust Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: Straggling shrub to 2 m high and 1.5 m diameter. Phyllodes are variable, usually less than 2 cm long; narrow to orbicular. Flowers like golden balls appear in spring. Distribution: SA, Vic., NSW.

Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment.

Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Will respond to light pruning after flowering. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

Acacia adunca 

Wallangarra Wattle

Location in ANBG: Section 3 ANBG map Description: Shapely, large shrub to 6 m with 2 m spread. Long narrow phyllodes to 15 cm tend to droop. Very floriferous, golden ball flowers in late winter and early spring. Distribution: Qld., NSW. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. An outstanding species which may be used as a feature plant in a sunny situation. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

• May be used as a feature plant.

Acacia alata

Location in ANBG: None

Description: Most unusual shrub to 2 m high by 1 m across. Phyllodes are almost reduced to cladodes, giving the appearance of winged stems. Each phyllode is extended into a spine. Two flower forms are noted, one cream, the other golden yellow. Extended flowering period. Distribution: WA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Some shade and good drainage is appreciated. The golden flowered form is preferred. Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

Acacia aneura 

Mulga

Location in ANBG: None Description: Small tree or large shrub to 7 m high by 7 macross, often multi-stemmed. Phyllodes are narrow to broad linear, greyish, to 7 cm. Flowers are rod-like, yellow, and occur in spring or other times, depending on rain.
The timber of this species is used extensively for the mulga-wood ornaments sold as Australiana souvenirs throughout the country. Distribution: arid areas of Qld, NSW, SA, WA and NT. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: A hardy plant for drier areas. It has attractive foliage. Full sun and good drainage essential. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

Acacia baileyana

Cootamundra Wattle

Location in ANBG: Sections 2, 3, ANBG map Description: Small tree or large shrub to 10 m high by 6 m across. Leaves are grey, bipinnate and leaflets are linear. Profuse, gold, ball-shaped flowers occur in late winter. Pods are bluish when young.
Two other foliage forms are in cultivation. One has purplish leaves and has been known as Acacia baileyana var. purpurea, the other has yellowish tips. Distribution: NSW, but naturalized in other areas. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment, or cuttings of fancy foliage types. Cultivation: A very hardy plant in a sunny situation. Suited to most soils. Flowers sporadically in Brisbane but profusely in southern areas. Good fast-growing screen plant. Purple foliage form is useful foliage contrast. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

Acacia bancroftii

Location in ANBG: None Description: Shrub or small tree to 6 m high. Glaucous, obovate phyllodes with blunt end to 20 cm long. Lemon-yellow ball flowers in sprays to 8 cm, May to July. Distribution: Qld. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Hardy plant in most soils. Full sun. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for planting in tropical areas.

Acacia beckleri

Barrier Range Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: Generally erect, open shrub about 2 m high by 1.5 m across with thick, falcate phyllodes about 12 cm long. Globular, golden flower heads are very large, about 2 cm diameter, and fragrant. They appear in winter. Distribution: SA, NSW. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Excellent off-season flowerer. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

Acacia binervata

Two-veined Hickory

Location in ANBG: Sections 1, 123a ANBG map plus the Rainforest Gully. Description: Medium-sized, dense tree to 16 m high with phyllodes to 12 cm, usually two-veined. Bears cream ball-shaped flowers in spring. Distribution: Qld. and NSW. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: A hardy plant in most well watered situations. Needs full sun or part shade. Dense shade tree. Used as a fast-growing shelter tree in contrived rainforest at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Flowers are insignificant. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

Acacia boormanii 

Snowy River Wattle

Location in ANBG: Sections 1, 2, 3, 18, 122, ANBG map Description: Rounded shrub, 2-3 m in diameter with narrow phyllodes to 8 cm. Bears profuse golden ball-shaped flowers in spring. Distribution: Vic., NSW. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. An outstanding wattle in flower. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• May be used as a feature plant.

Acacia buxifolia

Box-leaf Wattle

Location in ANBG: Sections 1, 3, ANBG map Description: Open, erect shrub to 3 m, spreading to 2 m, with elliptical phyllodes to 3 cm. Masses of small golden ball-shaped flowers appear in spring. Distribution: Qld., NSW, ACT, Vic. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. A hardy, desirable species. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

Acacia calamifolia

Wallowa

Location in ANBG: Sections 1, ANBG map Description: Normally rounded shrub to 3 m, but one population in Victoria reaches 10 m. Phyllodes are narrow, to 8 cm, with bent, pointed tip. Bright yellow fragrant ball flowers appear in spring. Distribution: SA, Vic., NSW. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

Acacia cardiophylla

West Wyalong wattle

Location in ANBG: Sections 1, 123a ANBG map Description: Rounded shrub to 2.5 m spreading to 3 m with feathery, light green bipinnate leaves. Bears bright yellow ball-shaped flowers in spring. Distribution: NSW. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. There has been some success with cuttings. Cultivation: Well-drained soil required. Defoliation occurs in badly drained soil. A good foliage plant. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

Acacia complanata

Location in ANBG: None Description: Rounded shrub to 3 m, sometimes taller. Stems flattened and slightly reddish. Phyllodes elliptical to 10 cm, light green. Flowers are in deep yellow balls from spring to autumn. Distribution: NSW, Qld. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Prefers sandy soil in full sun or part shade. Has been observed to flower after rain. Useful low screen. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

• Attractive bark or trunk.

• Suitable for planting in tropical areas.

Acacia concurrens

Location in ANBG: Section 3 ANBG map Description: A small tree which may reach 10 m high, but generally smaller. The phyllodes are obliquely obovate with the lower margin more or less straight. They are up to 16 cm long. The rod shaped flowers are bright yellow and borne in pairs in the upper leaf axils. They are seen from late winter to early spring. Distribution: southeast Queensland to northern New South Wales. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: A hardy and fast-growing tree for coastal districts. May be used as a screen or shelter for younger plants. Most soils are satisfactory and full sun is recommended. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

Acacia conferta

Crowded-leaf Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: Rounded shrub to 2 m with linear phyllodes to 1.5 cm, variable in denseness of growth. Globular flowers on slender peduncles held beyond phyllodes appear in spring. Distribution: NSW, Qld. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny positions in most soils. Very desirable plant. Good, dense clones should be preferred. Needs good drainage. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

Acacia conspersa

Location in ANBG: None Description: Open shrub to 1.5 m with slightly pendulous habit. Narrow phyllodes to 8 cm and rod-shaped flowers. Distribution: NT. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Open sunny position with good drainage. Good ornamental. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for planting in tropical areas.

Acacia continua

Thorn Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: Stiff, much-branched, rounded shrub to 1 m high by 70 cm across. Phyllodes rigid, often hooked, to 3 cm long. Bears large yellow ball-shaped flowers in winter and early spring. Distribution: NSW, SA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Dry, warm position preferred. Occasionally tends to become woody at base but regular light pruning may overcome this. Good early flowerer. Frost tolerance not fully tested. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Recommended for its foliage.

Acacia craspedocarpa

Location in ANBG: Section 18 ANBG map Description: Dense, rounded shrub to 2.5 m high by 1.5 m. Phyllodes are broadly elliptical, grey and about 2 cm long. Flowers in short, golden spikes appear in spring and various times through the year. Flat, rounded pods are also a feature. Distribution: WA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Suitable as a low screen plant, not for a formal hedge. Needs well-drained soil. Very hardy in drought but also grows well and flowers well in Coffs Harbour. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

• Has attractive fruit.

Acacia cultriformis

Knife-leaf Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: Generally erect shrub to 2.5 m high by 2 m across with grey, triangular-shaped phyllodes. Bears golden ball-shaped flowers in spring. Distribution: NSW, Qld. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Needs a well-drained, sunny position. Good grey-foliaged plant. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

• May be used as a feature plant.

Acacia dealbata

Silver Wattle

Location in ANBG: Section 1 ANBG map Description: Variable tree from multi-stemmed shrub-like specimens of 8 m to tall trees of 30 m high with greyish-green bipinnate leaves. Bears cream ball-shaped flowers in spring. Distribution: NSW, ACT, Vic. and Tas. Also introduced in South Australia. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: A hardy but unspectacular tree. Most soils and aspects are suitable. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

Acacia deanei subsp. paucijuga

(Previously known as: Acacia paucijuga)

Deane's Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: Large bushy shrub or small tree to 10 m high. Bipinnate leaves are dull green. Bears cream ball flowers in summer. Distribution: NSW, Vic. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Useful, hardy screen plant. Most soils are suitable and it will accept very dry conditions. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

Acacia decurrens

Early Black Wattle, Green Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: Erect, medium-sized tree to 15 m high with a green trunk and dark green bipinnate leaves. Very fine leaflets. Bears golden ball-shaped flowers in spring. Distribution: Qld. and NSW (naturalized in Vic., Tas. and ACT). Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: A hardy tree in most situations. Very fast-growing but short lived as a result of borer attack. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

Acacia denticulosa

Location in ANBG: None Description: An erect, sparsely branched shrub to 2 m high by 3 m across. The thickly textured, broadly elliptical phyllodes are up to 7 cm long, toothed and with a rasp-like surface. The golden rod-shaped flowers are up to 7 cm long and seen in spring. Distribution: WA (rare) Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Difficult to maintain in the eastern states. Dry situation is suggested. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

Acacia dimidiata

Swamp Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: Tall, bushy shrub 5 m high by 3 m. Thick, more or less elliptical phyllodes have an accentuated curve on one side. Golden rod-shaped flowers are borne in terminal sprays from April to June. Distribution: WA, NT, Qld. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Excellent garden or screen plant. Showy in flower and interesting foliage. Full sun and good drainage recommended. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Recommended for its foliage.

• May be used as a feature plant.

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

• Suitable for planting in tropical areas.

Acacia doratoxylon

Currawang, Lancewood, Spearwood

Location in ANBG: Section 18 ANBG map Description: Large, rounded shrub to 6 m or occasionally an erect, small tree. Long, narrow phyllodes to 15 cm. Bears yellow rod-shaped flowers in spring Distribution: NSW, ACT, Vic. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Needs a well-drained, dry position. Good screen plant in its rounded shrub form. Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

Acacia drummondii

Location in ANBG: None Description: Rounded shrub, usually less than 2 m, with dark green bipinnate foliage. Golden-yellow flowers in spikes to 3 cm appear in spring. Distribution: WA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Outstanding shrub, prefers some shade and good drainage. Slightly frost tender. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for poorly drained areas.

• Recommended for its foliage.

• May be used as a feature plant.

Acacia dunnii

Location in ANBG: None Description: Shrub or small tree to 7 m high. Large, falcate, glaucous phyllodes to 30 cm long by 20 cm wide. Probably the largest phyllodes of all wattles. Golden ball flowers, 2 cm diameter most of the year. Distribution: WA, NT. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Spectacular foliage plant. Very cold sensitive. Minimum temperature should be more than 10*C. Good drainage and a sunny position recommended. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Recommended for its foliage.

• May be used as a feature plant.

• Suitable for planting in tropical areas.

Acacia elongata

Swamp Wattle

Location in ANBG: Section 2 ANBG map Description: Open, erect shrub to 3 m by 1.5 m with long, linear, stiff phyllodes to 12 cm. Bears golden ball-shaped flowers in spring. Distribution: damp places in NSW. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny positions in most soils. Will accept damp situations. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for poorly drained areas.

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Resistant to salt spray.

Acacia erinacea

Location in ANBG: None Description: Spreading, rigid, much-branched shrub to 1 m high by 1.5 m across. Grey-green phyllodes, narrow-elliptical to 8 mm. Branchlets are spiny and new growth reddish. Bears yellow ball-shaped flowers in winter and spring. Distribution: SA, WA. Propagation: From scarified seed or cuttings, the latter being very successful. Cultivation: This species appears to have potential as tall ground cover. Needs full sun and good drainage. Frost tolerance not yet tested. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Ground cover, when some height is required.

• Recommended for its foliage.

Acacia extensa

Wiry Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: Erect shrub to 2 m, sometimes more in cultivation, with long, terete phyllodes to 20 cm on angular stems. Bears yellow ball-shaped flowers in spring. Distribution: WA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Interesting foliage and stem markings. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

• Attractive bark or trunk.

Acacia falcata

Hickory Wattle, Sally

Location in ANBG: None Description: Erect, tree-like shrub to 4 m with slender trunk and falcate phyllodes to 15 cm. Bears cream coloured ball-flowers in early winter. Distribution: NSW, Qld. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Very hardy. Often seen on cleared land around Sydney. Frequently used to revegetate road batters. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

Acacia falciformis

Broad-leaved Hickory, Hickory Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: Slender tree to 10 m. Phyllodes are sickle shaped, to 20 cm. Bears cream ball-shaped flowers in spring and early summer. Distribution: Qld., NSW, Vic. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Hardy in well-drained, sunny situations. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

Acacia farnesiana

Mimosa Bush

Location in ANBG: None Description: Straggly, many-branched shrub to 3 m high. Spiny stems with bipinnate leaves to 5 cm long. Golden ball-flowers are strongly perfumed. Distribution: Tropics of the world. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: This plant was first recorded in Australia in inland Queensland in 1845 but there is some doubt as to whether it is native. It is thought to be originally from South America. The species is widely grown in southern France for the perfume industry. Hardy in dry conditions and of value as an animal-proof screen if planted at 1 m centres. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

• Suitable for planting in tropical areas.

Acacia fimbriata

Brisbane Golden Wattle

Location in ANBG: Section 123a ANBG map Description: Small tree or rounded shrub to 7 m high by 6 m across. Phyllodes are narrow-lanceolate, to 4 cm and usually with hairs near the base. Profuse yellow, ball-shaped flowers occur in spring. Distribution: Qld., NSW. Propagation: From seed. Cultivation: Hardy in most situations. Adequate water is required. Good, dense, screen plant. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

• Suitable for planting in tropical areas.

Acacia flexifolia

Bent-leaf Wattle

Location in ANBG: Section 3 ANBG map Description: Small, erect shrub to 1 m or slightly more. Phyllodes narrow, about 2 cm long, sometimes glaucous. Bears small yellow ball flowers in late winter. Distribution: Qld., NSW, Vic. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Glaucous leafed form is most desirable. Well drained, dry position is most suitable. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Suitable for poorly drained areas.

Acacia floribunda

Sally Wattle, Gossamer Wattle

Location in ANBG: Sections 1, 3 ANBG map Description: Tall, bushy shrub or small tree to 6 m. Phyllodes linear to narrow elliptical to 10 cm long. Bears cream flowers in rods to 4 cm long in early spring. Distribution: NSW, Qld., Vic. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Good, fast-growing screen plant, particularly for coast where adequate moisture is available. A dwarf form which only reaches about 1 m high is available commercially. It forms a dense rounded shrub. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

Acacia genistifolia

(Previously known as: Acacia diffusa )

Spreading Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: Spreading shrub to 2 m by 2 m with rigid, needle-like phyllodes, dark green and varying in length from 2-5 cm. Bears large, ball-shaped, cream-coloured flowers in winter and early spring. Distribution: NSW, ACT, Vic., Tas. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Very hardy species which flowers in the off-season. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

Acacia glandulicarpa

Hairy-pod Wattle

Location in ANBG: Section 1, ANBG map Description: Spreading shrub 1 m high with a spread of 3 m and more. Small, bright green phyllodes give neat appearance all year. Flowers are bright yellow balls which appear in spring. Distribution: Vic. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Will grow in a sunny position in most soils. Performs well on coast and tablelands. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Ground cover, when some height is required.

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

Location in ANBG: Sections 1, 3 ANBG map Description: Unusual, straggling shrub to 1 m high and 1 m across. Wing-like phyllodes appear like cladodes with yellow globular flowers emerging from central stems in spring. Distribution: WA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Foliage is unique. Good drainage is essential. In cultivation, dead wood often mars the appearance. judicious pruning may overcome this problem. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: None Description: Stiff, woody shrub to 40 cm. Dark green phyllodes are triangular and sharp-pointed. Cream coloured flowers appear in spring. Distribution: SA.Vic. ACT. NSW. Tas. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Needs a well-drained position in sun or par shade. May spread to 60 cm in cultivation. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: None Description: Rounded shrub to 3 m high, sometimes taller, with oblanceolate phyllodes to 12 cm. Bears yellow flowers in winter and spring. Distribution: WA, Qld., NSW, Vic., SA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Very hardy species. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: None Description: Spreading shrub to 3 m by 4 m with large, obovate, very glaucous phyllodes. Bears yellow rod-shaped flowers. Masses of twisted pods are a feature of the plant even after the seed has fallen. Children of the Mt Isa area are reported to refer to the twisted pods as 'soap', as they are sticky and tend to remove dirt from the skin when crushed in the hands. Distribution: Qld., NT, WA (northern areas). Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Spectacular foliage plant for mild areas. Prune regularly to maintain rounded shape. Grows very quickly. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: Section 1 ANBG map Description: Beautiful, pendulous, dense, large shrub to 6 m or higher, spreading to 3 m. Small, light green phyllodes 2-3 cm long and 1 cm wide. Pale yellow flowers appear in spring. Distribution: Vic (rare). Propagation: From scarified seed or cuttings. Cultivation: An excellent screen plant which will stand hard pruning. Very fast growing even in hard conditions. May be used as a feature plant when foliage is allowed to weep. Not suited to areas of high summer rainfall. A prostrate form is available. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: Section 1 ANBG map Description: Small to medium-sized tree to 12 m high with light green, sickle-shaped phyllodes to 20 cm. Bears cream ball-shaped flowers in summer. Distribution: Qld., NSW, ACT, Vic. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: A very hardy species suitable for bank planting, due to its suckering habit. This may be accelerated if roots are damaged. Needs full sun. Very prone to leaf gall. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: None Description: Large, upright shrub to 4 m with loose fibrous, brown bark on main stem. Terete phyllodes to 10 cm. Rod-shaped flowers are brilliant yellow and appear in spring. Distribution: WA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Seed does not set readily in cultivation. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Spectacular feature plant in or out of flower. Acacia curranii from Qld. and NSW has similar characteristics but shorter, almost globular flower heads. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: Sections 1, 123a ANBG map Description: Large, weeping shrub to 5 m with narrow grey-green phyllodes to 10 cm. Buds enclosed in attractive pinkish bracts. Flowers are yellow and perfumed and appear in autumn or winter. Useful hedge species and good feature plant, as bunches of pods extend period of interest. Distribution: SA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Needs a well-drained position. A prostrate form is available. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: None Description: Erect, slender branching shrub to 3 m. Long, narrow phyllodes to 20 cm. Bears bright yellow, perfumed flowers in spikes in autumn and winter. Distribution: WA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Hardy plant in well-drained soil. Interesting foliage contrast. In cultivation in arid areas, this species has been seen to form a dense spreading shrub 3 m high by 5 m across. Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: Section 1 ANBG map Description: Although reported to 3 m high, it rarely exceeds 1.5 m in cultivation. Phyllodes oblong, to 6 cm. Rod-like yellow flowers occur over extended period; rarely profuse. Distribution: arid areas of Qld., NT, WA, SA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Very hardy in dry situation. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: Section 2, ANBG map Description: Large shrub to 6 m, occasionally taller. Silvery phyllodes 5-9 cm long, narrow and slightly curved. Bears yellow flowers in late spring. Distribution: NSW, Vic. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Good foliage plant. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: None Description: May reach tree proportions, but more usually a large shrub with erect, slender habit to 5-6 m. Lanceolate phyllodes about 9 cm. Bears yellow ball-shaped flowers in spring. Distribution: Vic., NSW. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Very hardy plant. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: Section 3 ANBG map Description: Sparsely branched, arching shrub to 2 m high with dark green, narrow, linear phyllodes. Bears terminal heads of cream flowers from January to August. Distribution: NSW. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in well drained positions in most soils. Will tolerate shade and is very hardy. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: None Description: Large, open shrub with pendulous habit, to 6 m. Lanceolate phyllodes to 10 cm. Bears yellow ball flowers.

Location in ANBG: Sections 1, 2 ANBG map Description: Small, spreading tree to 10 m with narrow, lanceolate phyllodes to 16 cm. Cream rod-like flowers occur in summer. Distribution: Qld. NSW. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: A hardy plant in most wellwatered situations. Some shade accepted. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Blackwood

Location in ANBG: Sections 1, 2, 3, 123a ANBG map Description: Variable tree reaching 30 m in deep gullies. Phyllodes are lanceolate to 16 cm. Cream ball-shaped flowers occur in spring. Distribution: Qld., NSW, ACT, Vic., Tas., SA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: A hardy shade or shelter tree. Most situations are suitable. Good timber tree. Flowers are not obvious. Very prone to borer attack in warmer areas. Has become a weed in South Africa. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: None Description: Rounded shrub to 2.5 m. Generally dense habit. Bright green, sticky, narrow phyllodes to 3 cm and golden ball-shaped flowers in spring. Distribution: SA, Vic., NSW, Qld. Propagation: From scarified seed or cuttings. Cultivation: Very hardy and attractive plant for coast or tablelands. Suitable for road batters. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: None Description: Spreading shrub, 2-3 m high by 3 m across with arching branches. The grey-green phyllodes are semi-circular and about 4 cm long. The young growth is purplish-grey. The golden flowers are borne in rods, 3 cm long, in winter. Distribution: NT. Propagation: from scarified seed. Cultivation: A beautiful shrub for a well-drained sunny site in a frost free area. Shrubs have flowered as far south as Coffs Harbour. Foliage is a delightful contrast with other plants. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: Section 3 ANBG map Description: Very variable shrub in height and phyllode form. Phyllodes may be narrow to lanceolate to 20 cm long. Profuse yellow flowers occur in spring. Distribution: NSW, Vic., Tas. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Hardy, showy species in flower. Growing well in southern England. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: Section 1 ANBG map Description: Rounded shrub varying in height from 1-2.5 m with compact growth. Elliptical phyllodes, dark green, 2-5 cm long on reddish stems. Cream-coloured ball-shaped flowers appear in spring. Distribution: WA, Qld., NSW, Vic., Tas., SA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Hardy species suitable for road batters in areas of good rainfall. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: None Description: Spreading shrub 1 m high by 1.5 m across. Linear phyllodes to 2 cm long have curved point at the tip. Golden flowers in short rods are seen throughout the year. Distribution: Qld. Propagation: From scarified seed Cultivation: Growing well in the Atherton area. Full sun, most soils. Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: Section 123a ANBG map Description: Small to medium-sized tree to 15 m with grey oblanceolate phyllodes to 17 cm. Bears yellow ball-shaped flowers in spring. Distribution: NSW, ACT, Vic. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Hardy in well-drained soil. Very sensitive to overwatering. Handsome foliage plant. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: None Description: A spreading shrub to 3 m high by 4 m across. The long phyllodes are up to 12 cm long and 2 cm wide tapering towards both ends. The pale yellow flowers are borne in rods to 8 cm long in autumn (early dry season). Distribution: WA, NT. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: A useful plant which is now available commercially. A well-drained sunny site is recommended. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Location in ANBG: Sections 2, 3 ANBG map Description: Large shrub or small tree to 7 m high. Leaves bipinnate and distinctly paler on the underside. Young branches are covered with yellow hairs. Cream ball-flowers at various times of the year. Distribution: Qld., NSW. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Growing well in Townsville. Good foliage plant. 

Special horticultural attributes:

Spike Wattle

Location in ANBG: Section 18 ANBG map Description: A prickly, dense shrub 1-3 m high by 2 m across, small trees are also known. Rigid, dark green phyllodes to 2 cm with sharp point. Flowers in cream spikes occur in winter and spring. Distribution: SA, Vic., NSW. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Excellent hedge plant forming an impenetrable barrier. Useful also for road batters. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

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Acacia papyrocarpa

(Previously known as: Acacia sowdenii)

Western Myall

Location in ANBG: None Description: Tall shrub or spreading tree to 7 m high with drooping, linear, grey phyllodes to 8 cm. Bears yellow ball-shaped flowers in spring. Distribution: SA, WA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: A handsome plant for dry areas. Has performed well in Canberra. Full sun and good drainage recommended. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

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Acacia paradoxa

(Previously known as: Acacia armata )

Kangaroo Thorn

Location in ANBG: Sections 2, 122 ANBG map Description: Spreading, prickly shrub 2-3 m high by 3 or 4 m across. Small elliptical phyllodes to 3 cm with undulate margins. Stems with stiff spines. Flowers in yellow balls. Distribution: WA, Qld., NSW, Vic., SA and Tasmania where it was introduced into cultivation and naturalized. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Excellent hedge species. Very hardy; suitable for road batters. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

• Resistant to salt spray.

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Acacia parramattensis

Location in ANBG: None Description: Medium-sized tree to 16 m with dark green bipinnate leaves and fine leaflets. Cream ball-shaped flowers occur in spring. Distribution: New South Wales. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Very frost hardy, fast growing tree in most situations. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

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Acacia pendula

Weeping Myall

Location in ANBG: Section 3 ANBG map Description: Pendulous tree to 10 m, usually upright, occasionally spreading, with grey, narrow phyllodes to 8 cm. Yellow ball-shaped flowers appear in spring. Distribution: semi-arid areas of Qld, NSW, Vic. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Handsome foliage plant for dry areas. Needs full sun. Frost tolerance not fully tested. Often defoliated by processionary caterpillars. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Recommended for its foliage.

• May be used as a feature plant.

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Acacia perangusta

(Previously known as: Acacia fimbriata var. perangusta)

Location in ANBG: Section 3 ANBG map Description: Rounded shrub or small tree to 6 m high. The smooth linear phyllodes are up to 7 cm long. Yellow ball-shaped flowers adorn the shrub in late winter and early spring. It has narrower phyllodes than the related Acacia fimbriata.

Distribution: south-east Qld. (restricted) and northern NSW. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: The showy, quick-growing wattle is commonly cultivated in Brisbane. Foliage is attractive and it makes a useful screen. Most soils are suitable. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Recommended for its foliage.

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

• Suitable for planting in tropical areas.

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Acacia plicata

Location in ANBG: None Description: An erect, open shrub to 2 m high by 2 m across, often less in the field. Branches are hairy. The bipinnate leaves are also hairy, with linear to narrow-elliptical leaflets to 1.5 cm long. The yellow ball flowers are borne on slender stalks to 2.5 cm long and exceeding the leaves. The 2 cm long pod is distinctively pleated. Distribution: WA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: A very handsome shrub with a slightly pendulous habit. It adapts to most soils and aspects. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

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Acacia podalyriifolia

Queensland Silver Wattle

Location in ANBG: Sections 119, 122, 123a ANBG map Description: Tall shrub or small tree to 8 m high by 5 m across. Silver-grey phyllodes, obliquely elliptical, to 4 cm, with felt-like texture. Golden ball-shaped flowers occur in late winter. Distribution: Qld. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: A hardy plant in most welldrained, sunny situations. Flowers well in mild climates. In Canberra flowers open over several weeks. Very subject to leaf miner in Sydney but not in Canberra. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

• May be used as a feature plant.

• Suitable for planting in tropical areas.

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Acacia pravissima

Ovens wattle

Location in ANBG: Sections 2, 123a ANBG map Description: Tall shrub to 6 m with pendulous branches. Has triangular-shaped, dull green phyllodes and yellow flowers in spring. Distribution:NSW, ACT, Vic. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Hardy plant with an attractive form. Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

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Acacia prominens

Gosford wattle

Location in ANBG: Section 18 ANBG map Description: Tall shrub or small tree to 8 m, often spreading, with lanceolate phyllodes to 6 cm. Yellow ball-shaped flowers occur in spring. Distribution: New South Wales. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Fast-growing screen plant. Needs dense shade and plenty of moisture but reasonable drainage. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

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Acacia pycnantha

Golden Wattle

Location in ANBG: Sections 1, 3 ANBG map Description: Medium shrub to small tree 10 m high with bright green sickle-shaped phyllodes to 14 cm. Large golden ball-shaped flowers occur in spring. Distribution: New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.This species is Australia's floral emblem. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Very showy wattle. Fast growing in well-drained, sunny position with ample watering. Has become a weed in South Africa. Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• May be used as a feature plant.

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Acacia retinodes

Wirilda, Swamp Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: Large, open shrub to 6 m. Long, narrow, greyish phyllodes to 15 cm. Flowers are cream-yellow balls in winter and spring. Seeds are reported to be edible. Distribution: Vic., Tas., SA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Hardy shrub. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

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Acacia riceana

Rice's Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: Variable shrub, sometimes erect, sometimes pendulous. Rigid, pointed, dark green phyllodes. Bears cream ball-shaped flowers in spring. Distribution: Tas. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: This Tasmanian endemic has proved adaptable in both coastal and tableland areas on the mainland. It enjoys shade. Flowering is not prolific but those forms with pendulous branches are ornamental. Hardy in southern England. Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for heavy shade.

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

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Acacia rigens

Needle Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: Beautiful spreading shrub to 2 m by 3 m across. Silvery-grey terete phyllodes to 8 cm and golden ball-shaped flowers in spring. Distribution: WA, Qld., NSW, Vic., SA (mallee areas). Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Fine specimen plant that enjoys a well-drained, sunny position. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

• May be used as a feature plant.

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Acacia rubida

Red-stemmed Wattle

Location in ANBG: Section 2 ANBG map Description: Large, erect shrub, sometimes reaching tree proportions. Falcate phyllodes to 10 cm. Pinnate leaves often seen dotted over the shrub. Yellow flowers in spring. Distribution: Vic., ACT, NSW, Qld. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Very hardy. Has been used successfully for hydroseeding road batters. Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

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Acacia salicina

Broughton Willow, Cooba

Location in ANBG: Section 2 ANBG map Description: Spreading tree to 14 m high with pendulous habit and narrow-elliptical phyllodes to 20 cm. Bears yellow ball-shaped flowers in winter and spring. Distribution: drier areas, but usually near rivers, in Qld., NSW, Vict., SA, and NT. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: A handsome foliage plant. Hardy in most soils and full sun. Has a tendency to sucker. Frost tolerance not fully tested. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Recommended for its foliage.

• Suitable for planting in tropical areas.

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Acacia saligna

Golden Wreath Wattle, Orange Wattle

(Previously known as: Acacia cyanophylla )

Location in ANBG: Section 1 ANBG map Description: Large shrub or small tree to 10 m, sometimes developing a spreading crown. Phyllodes to 20 cm long and up to 2 cm wide, occasionally bluish. Flowers are large golden balls in spring. Distribution: WA (naturalized in other States). Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Useful as a tall background plant. Very fast growing, hardy, and resistant to salt spray. Has become a weed in north-eastern NSW and South Africa. Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

• Resistant to salt spray.

• Suitable for planting in tropical areas.

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Acacia schinoides

Location in ANBG: Sections 122, 123a ANBG map Description: Medium-sized tree to 16 m high with bipinnateleaves. Bears cream ball-shaped flowers in summer. Distribution: New South Wales. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Fast-growing tree in well-composted soil. Accepts full sun or heavy shade. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of heavy shade.

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

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Acacia sclerophylla

Hard-leaf Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: A spreading shrub to 2 m high by 3 m across with moderately open habit. Phyllodes are oblanceolate to 4 cm, glossy and slightly sticky. The golden yellow ball flowers are borne prolifically in the leaf axils in spring. Distribution: NSW, Vic., SA, WA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: A very hardy and decorative species which is suitable for hydroseeding on road batters. Most soils and aspects are suitable. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

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Acacia semilunata

Location in ANBG: None Description: An erect shrub which may reach 5 m high by 3 m across with hairy branches. The greyish phyllodes are broadly sickle-shaped and up to 3 cm long. The bright yellow ball flowers are borne in racemes in the upper leaf axils and terminally. It may be distinguished from the related Acacia cultriformis by its hairy branches. Distribution: Qld (Darling Downs). Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: A showy plant for a well-drained, sunny site. Foliage is attractive all the year. Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

• May be used as a feature plant.

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Acacia siculiformis

Dagger Wattle

Location in ANBG: Section 123a ANBG map Description: Very stiff, upright shrub to 2 m. Pointed, dark green phyllodes to 3 cm. Bears cream ball-shaped flowers in spring. Distribution: NSW, ACT, Vic., Tas. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Very hardy. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

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Acacia spectabilis

Mudgee Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: Large shrub with tree-like form to 6 m with lacy, glaucous, pinnate leaves and grey-green trunk. Golden balls of flowers appear in spring. Pods are purplish. Distribution: NSW, Qld. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Beautiful feature plant. Needs full sun and reasonable drainage for best results. A prostrate form of this species is being grown at the Australian National Botanic Gardens in pots. It has been grown from cuttings but the percentage strike is very low and further work must be done before this form is generally available. Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

• May be used as a feature plant.

• Has attractive fruit.

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Acacia stricta

Hop Wattle

Location in ANBG: Section 1 ANBG map Description: Erect shrub to 3 m. Phyllodes are narrow, elliptical, to 12 cm and dull green in colour. Flowers are in yellow balls held close to stems and appear in spring. Distribution: Qld., NSW, Vic., SA, Tas. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Although commonly cultivated, this is not a showy garden plant. Hardy and suitable for hydroseeding work. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

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Acacia suaveolens

Sweet-scented Wattle

Location in ANBG: None Description: Straggling shrub with few branches. Narrow, lanceolate phyllodes to 15 cm are bluish grey. Cream ball-shaped flowers with a sweet perfume occur over a long period through winter and spring. Fruits are bluish, flattened pods. Distribution: Qld., NSW, Vic., SA, Tas. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Useful garden plant because of its long flowering period and attractive perfume. Hardy in well-drained soil and resistant to salt spray. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Has attractive fruit.

• Resistant to salt spray.

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Acacia sulcata

Location in ANBG: None Description: Small, rounded shrub to 60 cm with bright green, almost terete phyllodes to 3 cm. Bears bright yellow, ball-shaped flowers in spring. Distribution: WA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. A neat shrub that flowers well even in moderate shade. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

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Acacia terminalis

(Previously known as: Acacia botrycephala, Acacia discolor )

Sunshine Wattle

Location in ANBG: Section 3 ANBG map Description: Dense shrub to 3 m with 2 m spread. Dark green pinnate leaves. Bears cream to deep yellow ball-flowers in autumn and winter. Distribution: NSW, Vic., Tas. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Hardy plant which flowers during the off-season. Seed should be collected from populations with bright yellow flowers. Good for hydroseeding. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

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Acacia translucens

Location in ANBG: None Description: A low, spreading shrub, varying in height from 50 cm to 2 m. The thick phyllodes are obliquely elliptical or obovate and up to 2.5 cm long. The bright yellow ball flowers are borne on stalks to 2 cm long. Distribution: WA, NT. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: A hardy plant for tropical areas when used in a sunny well-drained site. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for planting in tropical areas.

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Acacia triptera

Spur-wing Wattle

Location in ANBG: Section 122 ANBG map Description: Dense, spreading shrub to 3 m high by 4 m and more across. Phyllodes are rigid, sickle-shaped and pointed. Bears golden rod-like flowers in spring. Distribution: Qld., NSW, Vic. (semi-arid areas) Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Very showy in flower. Excellent hedge plant which forms an impenetrable barrier. Useful for road batters in lower rainfall areas and as nesting sites for birds. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

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Acacia truncata

(Previously known as: Acacia cuneata )

Location in ANBG: None Description: Open shrub to 1.5 m high by 1.5 m across. Phyllodes are triangular, to 1.2 cm. Cream ball-shaped flowers occur in spring. Distribution: WA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Useful plant for exposed seaside garden; has attractive foliage. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

• Resistant to salt spray.

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Acacia ulicifolia

(Previously known as: Acacia juniperina)

Prickly Moses

Location in ANBG: None Description: Rounded shrub to 3 m, often less, with dark green spine-like phyllodes to 2 cm. Flowers are in cream-coloured balls in winter and spring. Distribution: Qld., NSW, ACT, Vic., Tas. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Hardy shrub with attractive foliage. Suitable as a hedge plant. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenance (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

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Acacia uncinata

(Previously known as: Acacia undulifolia )

Location in ANBG: Section 3 ANBG map Description: Straggly shrub to 3 m with pendulous branches. Grey-green phyllodes are ovate with undulate margins. Flowers are in golden-yellow balls and occur over a long period of the year. Distribution: Qld., NSW. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Recommended for its long flowering period. Very hardy. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

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Acacia verniciflua

Varnish Wattle

Location in ANBG: Sections 1, 2, ANBG map Description: Variable shrub to 4 m, generally erect and sparsely branched. Young growth shiny, from which is derived the common name. Phyllodes are elliptical, to 12 cm. Yellow balls of flowers occur in spring. Distribution: Qld., NSW, Vic., Tas., SA. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Hardy, and suitable for road batters. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

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Acacia verticillata

Prickly Moses

Location in ANBG: Section 1 ANBG map Description: Variable height; generally rounded shrub. Phyllodes are dark green, spine-like, to 2 cm, in whorls around the stem. Pale yellow flowers in short spikes.

Distribution: SA, Vic., NSW, Tas. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: May be pruned for compact growth if necessary. Good hedge plant. Hardy in well-drained soil. 

Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

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Acacia vestita

Hairy Wattle, Weeping Boree

 

Location in ANBG: Section 18 ANBG map Description: Beautiful weeping shrub to 3 m high by 5 m across. Phyllodes are triangular, about 2 cm long, grey-green and hairy. Golden balls of flowers appear in spring. Distribution: NSW. Propagation: From scarified seed or boiling water treatment. Cultivation: Generally adaptable in cultivation, responds to sunny, reasonably well drained positions in most soils. Outstanding feature plant and also suitable for hedge work. One of the best of the genus. Special horticultural attributes:

• Suitable for areas of low maintenence (eg. road batters).

• Frost hardy (will tolerate frosts to -7 C )

• Recommended for its foliage.

• May be used as a feature plant.

• Suitable hedge or screen plant.

Seed dry wt

% lipid

Aril dry wt

% lipid

Rating (see below)

Remarks

23.7

29

The rating makes no attempt to 'weight' the various characteristics - I have simply added the seed dry weight and aril dry weight

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