Wattle (Acacia) The Acacias are an interesting group of plants, there are species native to Africa, Europe, South Asia, The Americas and of Course Australia. Here in Australia we have so many species of Acacia, that i don't care to name them all right now. One thing i will say, is that they are an icon of Australian flora and all around Sydney right now, they are looking superb. The Cedar Wattle or Acacia elata are looking particularly nice, you will notice this one because it grows 20 metres high! The most iconic of these plants is Acacia pycnantha - the Golden Wattle, our national flower emblem (pictured above).
Growing Conditions Wattles all enjoy a free-draining soil and will resent any position with poor drainage. Most also need plenty of sun for best effect in the garden. There are various sizes ranging from medium trees through to ground-covers.
Benefits Aside from the winter cheer they provide, Acacias have many other benefits. The Acacia has often been used as a nurse-tree whilst establishing gardens. Since they grow so fast they protect slower growing trees from too much exposure till they are removed to allow the latter species to grow. Acacias also have the benefit of fixing nitrogen in the soil.
Pests The main pest of Wattle trees are borers that attack stress plants and older specimens. With shorter-lived wattles it is always best to plan ahead and have a successional planting.
Sample of Species from the Home Garden Here are three varieties suitable for the home garden:
Acacia "Cascade"
Acacia cultriformis prostrate form "Cascade"
Description: A great ground cover wattle with grey/green foliage and vivid yellow flowers in spring.
Size: 2 - 3m drop
Uses: Embankments, vertical walls, tall pots as spill-over plant.
Acacia "Mop Top"
Acacia cognata UY 2 "Mop Top"
Description: Another great form of Acacia cognata mainly grown for it's plum tinged foliage that ages to a soft green colour as it matures.
Size: 90cm x 150cm wide
Uses: Feature plant in pots and rockeries.
Acacia "Abundance"
Acacia floribunda x genistifolia "Abundance"
Description: A great ground cover wattle with vivid yellow flowers in spring.
Size: 2-3m height x 1.5 -2m wide
Uses: As a screening plant which will allow winter light penetration; very useful for screening structures in narrow sites.
Where to buy Contact your local nursery for available species in your area.
Acacia cultriformis prostrate form 
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