Wattle Trees

The iconic Australian Wattle Tree is a member of the Acacia family found in every state they vary greatly from species to species. We mostly associated the name with the flowering wattles and indeed they are most widely known for the golden yellow wattle flowers that cover the trees in spring their is a lot more to wattles than pretty flowers.

Used by early settlers as a building material (wattle and daub) the flexible young saplings were woven together and then coated with a mixture of mud and dung.

The Black Wattle or Acacia mearnsii was probably the most widely used by both early settlers and aboriginals.

The Golden Wattle or Acacia pycnantha (pictured right) is the floral symbol of Australia and is found widely across South Eastern Australia (Victoria and South Australia)

The Silver Wattle or Acacia delebatais widespread along the East Coast from NSW to Tasmania. Acacia boormanii is the SnowyRiver Wattle (pictured right).

Flowering wattles tend to be fairly short lived, so if used as a feature tree or landscaping tree they need to be replaced as they age and begin to drop branches, however not all 'Wattles' grow the same way. When we move away from the stereotype flowering tree we begin to look at some very useful landscaping species as well as timber producing species such as the Blackwood or Acacia melanoxylon.

Wattle trees are fast growing and are therefore very useful if you are looking to establish a quick screen or windbreak while waiting for slower growing but longer lasting species to become established. Fertilizer is rarely required and once established wattle trees are regarded as drought tolerant.

Interesting species such as the 'Leafless Rock Wattle' or Acacia aphllya (pictured below left) which is regarded as a succulent can make a fascinating addition to the garden.

Further Information

• Acacia Trees
• Acacia cognata
• Acacia leprosa
• Acacia verniciflua