Acacia salicina 

native willow, willow acacia, weeping wattle

OVERVIEW:

Acacia salicina is an evergreen tree growing 20-40 feet tall and half as wide. The grey-brown branchlets contain dark green leaves called phyllodes, collectively giving the canopy a weeping effect.  In the spring, cream-white, highly fragranced, powderpuff blooms appear in 2-8 headed racemes. Narrow, long, green pods grow 4 inches long and turn brown at maturity. These pods split along both seams to reveal shiny black-brown seeds with a red aril attached. Plant in full sun or partial shade and deep water every one or two months to establish a strong root system. Frequent shallow watering results in rapid growth and weak wood that is prone to break in strong winds. Propagation can be done through germination of scarified seeds.

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific Name: Acacia salicina

Common Name: Native willow, willow acacia, weeping wattle

Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Suggested Uses: Parking lot accent, shade tree, landscape design 

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 15-20ft

Foliage: Long dark green leaves (phyllodes)

Flower: White to yellow-white puffballs, fragrant 

Bloom Period: Spring

Fruit: A brown seed pod, usually over 3" long, containing edible seeds

Bark: Gray-brown

 ENVIRONMENT:

Sun: Full sun, part shade

Water: Low

Soil: Well-draining sand, neutral to moderately alkaline soils

USDA Zone: 7-11