Acacia pycnantha – Golden Wattle
-
- Acacia pycnantha – golden wattle
-
- Acacia pycnantha – golden wattle
The golden wattle is the floral emblem of Australia with its masses of sunshine yellow balls of flowers brightening the bush and gardens in late winter to early spring. It grows from 2 to 10 metres tall and is fast growing, but sadly can be short lived. Adapts to most soils as long as they are free draining, and can take some frost and dry periods. Performs best in temperate climate zones. A useful plant- the flowers are fragrant and can be used for making perfume, the seed is edible and the bark is rich in tannins. Green seed can be cooked like peas. Ripe seed can be baked then ground with a mortar and pestle into a low glycaemic flour.
Note– this plant originates from South Australia, but has become a problem plant in some areas where it is becoming weedy and competing with the natural species. Southern Western Australia is one area where this happening.
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Scientific Name: | Acacia pycnantha |
| Common Name: | Wattle |
| Other Common Names: | Golden Wattle |
| Plant Type: | Small tree, Large shrub |
| Height: | 2 ~ 10 metres |
| Width: | 2 ~ 6 metres |
| Flower Colour: | Yellow, Gold |
| Flowering Time: | Spring, Winter |
| Ph Level: | Neutral |
| Soil Type: | Sandy, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Potting mix, Poor soil |
| Plant Environment: | Low maintenance garden, Flower garden, Drought resistant |
| Climate Zone: | Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean |
| Light: | Sunny, Light shade |
| Growth Habit: | Evergreen, Spreading |
| Lifespan: | Perennial, Short lived |
| Threats: | Borers |
| Soil Moisture: | Well-drained |
| Propagation Method: | Seed |
| Frost Tolerance: | Tolerates light frost |
| Plant Usage: | Feature plant, Screen, Windbreak |
| Special Features: | Edible, Erosion control, Bird nesting plant, Fast growing, Weed potential |
| Attracts Wildlife: | Bees, Seed eating birds, Other insects |
The information provided on the Gardening With Angus website is provided for general educational purposes about a variety of Australian plants. We recommend you seek further advice from qualified professionals regarding your own individual circumstances. Further disclaimer information>>
WHERE TO GET YOUR PLANT
Once you have found the plant that looks right for you, the next step is where to buy it.
Most nurseries stock a good range of plants, but due to space and supplies, they may not always have the plant that you are searching for in stock. If they don’t, they may be able to order it in for you if you request it.
Specialist nurseries are also able to give great advice, and if they don’t have the plant you have planned on, they can often suggest alternatives that will also work well for you.
Below is a list of our favourite specialist nurseries. Click on the links for their details-
The Wildflower Place Erina – NSW
Newcastle Wildflower Nursery – NSW
Harvest Seeds And Native Plant Nursery – Sydney – NSW
Native Grace Nursery – Robertson NSW
Wariapendi Nursery – Colo Vale NSW
Sydney Wildflower Nursery – NSW
Geelong Native Plants – Victoria
Wimmera Native Nursery – Victoria
Forest Heart eco-Nursery – Maleny Queensland
Natives R Us – Traveston – Queensland
Manuka Native Nursery – South Australia
MAIL ORDER NURSERIES –
Angus recommends Bush Tucker fertiliser for native plants.