Golden Wattle
Acacia pycnantha · Evergreen Broadleaf
Plant Family
Fabaceae
Tree Category
Flowering / Ornamental / Street Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 9-11; sensitive to heavy frost but can tolerate temperatures down to approximately -7°C (20°F).
About This Tree
A small to medium-sized evergreen tree with a pendulous habit. It is characterized by its bright yellow, ball-shaped flower clusters and sickle-shaped phyllodes rather than true leaves. It has an open, spreading crown and a relatively short lifespan of 15 to 30 years.
Leaf Characteristics
The 'leaves' are actually phyllodes: sickle-shaped (falcate), 9–15 cm long, leathery texture, dull green to dark green, with a prominent midrib and a small gland on the margin near the base. They are arranged alternately.
Bark Characteristics
Dark brown to greyish-brown; generally smooth in younger trees but becomes finely fissured or rough and slightly corrugated as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Southeastern Australia (South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales)
Growing Season
Evergreen growth; primary flowering period is late winter through spring (July to October in Southern Hemisphere; February to April in Northern Hemisphere).
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun for best flowering. Highly drought-tolerant once established; requires well-drained soil and low to moderate watering. Does not tolerate waterlogged roots.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 3 to 8 meters (10 to 26 feet) in height with a spread of 3 to 5 meters. Rapid growth rate, especially in early years.
Special Characteristics
Official floral emblem of Australia. Notable for high tannin content in its bark. Highly adaptable to poor soils and salt spray. Very fragrant blooms used in perfume industry.
Wildlife & Ecology
Attracts various pollinators including bees, butterflies, and nectar-feeding birds. Provides seeds for birds such as parrots. Serves as a nitrogen-fixing plant, improving soil quality for neighboring vegetation.