Hello World! Welcome Friends! There are so many acacia species, including both trees and shrubs! They grow in locations around the world, and many species have diversified to thrive in different conditions. Some acacias will thrive in the desert, while others prefer semi-dry grassland.
One thing all acacia have in common, is that they prefer a warm environment. Some acacia can even be grown in the UK with a little care – the Royal Horticultural Society recommends Acacia dealbata, in particular.
Learn more about acacias, their flowers, acacia honey, and acacia wood in this article. Including where they grow, of course!
Find out more on Acacia trees at Gardeners Dream.
Genus Acacia: Quick Facts
Acacia, a very large genus of plants including trees and shrubs, comes under the subfamily Mimosoideae which is actually plants within the pea family, Fabaceae!
You might also see plants in this genus referred to as wattle or by another common name.
Trees and Shrubs
Species of acacia vary greatly in size. Some species, like the Kangaroo Thorn, can be either an acacia shrub or tree – reaching 4 metres in height. Acacia trees tend to be a fast growing plant that establishes strong, deep roots to support a central stem rather quickly.
Despite these amazing characteristics, the fast-growing varieties tend to be quite short-lived compared to other plants. Some will only survive for a few decades.
Pinnate Leaves
Plants in the acacia family have sharp thorns, small flowers, and seed pods. They can be used to produce acacia honey and even gum. Just like the colours of the flowers changes from one small tree to the next, acacias have slightly differing leaves.
Some have pinnate leaves, which mimic the appearance of feathers, while other species have needle-like phyllodes. Most acacias have narrow leaves that form a dense, close-growing foliage cover for the thorns beneath.
Flowering Plants
From vibrant yellow flowers to delicate, fragrant white flowers, these plant species have gorgeous floral displays – usually in the springtime.
A similar plant, Black Locust (False Acacia) also produces blooms. The sweet nectar can be drawn from these Black Locust flowers by honeybees to produce acacia honey!
Acacia Species (and Where They Grow)
Most species of acacia are native to Australia and Africa, but they can be grown around the world. Preferring tropical and subtropical regions, you can find hardy acacia trees growing in southern US states (particularly California and Texas), across Africa, and in the warmer areas of Europe – including the sunny south of the UK. In California, they’re popular in Huntington Beach and can be quite invasive. It leads to a lot of residents having to contact a Huntington Beach tree service to deal with the problem properly. While palm trees and having to skim palm trees are the main problem In Huntington Beach and worldwide, Acacias can be just as frustrating.
Here are some of the most interesting varieties to explore.
Acacia sensu lato tree
Acacia gum can be made from a variety of acacia sensu lato trees. The gum acacia produces is also known as gum Arabic, Sudan gum Arabic, or Senegal gum. These wood products are actually made from the sap.
Gum Arabic is used as stabilizers in the food industry!
Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata)
Acacia dealbata is one of the acacias that grows fairly well in the UK. Also known as silver wattle, it is half-hardy and an evergreen variety with fluffy yellow blooms in early spring.
Sydney Golden Wattle (Acacia longifolia)
Growing into an invasive thicket if left unattended, Sydney golden wattle is native to South-eastern Australia and grows in some southern US states too. This large shrub requires careful maintenance.
Blue Leaf Wattle (Acacia saligna)
This rugged evergreen tree thrives in desert conditions. It is fast growing and drought resistance – though too much water isn’t good for it. This member of the pea family has long, flat leaves.
Sweet Acacia (Acacia suaveolens)
Also known as sweet wattle, this acacia can be pruned low to the ground. With sharp thorns, it is excellent for intruder-proofing your garden from small mammals, although it prefers the hot and dry climate of Australia where it is native.
Spreading Wattle (Acacia genistifolia)
This prickly shrub grows well on gravely soils. The narrow leaf-like phyllodes are accompanied by pale yellow flowers in the late summer and throughout winter in Australia. As the name suggests, it spreads wide in a shrub-like shape, rather than becoming a tree.
Black Wattle (Acacia concurrens)
Also known as green wattle and closely related to Acacia decurrens and various other acacias that have share this common name, the late flowering black wattle is native to Queensland, Australia. It can grow up to 10 metres tall!
Prickly Wattle (Acacia paradoxa)
Native to Perth and Albany in Australia, prickly wattle can grow in partial shade or full sun. This small shrub also provides a good nesting home for birds.
Snowy River Wattle (Acacia boormanii)
Growing natively along the Snowy River in Victoria and New South Wales, Australia, this acacia has fragrant bright yellow flowers. It has been described as a very elegant acacia variety.
Hickory Wattle (Acacia melanoxylon)
This species is native to Australia, Papa New Guinea, and the Maluku Islands. It is sometimes referred to as Tasmania blackwood and there is a lot variance in the shape and size of its phyllodes.
Acacia Koa
Growing on the Hawaiian islands, the Koa acacia has bright yellow blooms and is said to represent braveness, boldness, and the fearless warrior.
Texas Acacia (Guajillo)
Native to the Southwestern united states, this acacia has white attractive flowers that appear in early spring. Guajillo acacia is drought-tolerant and good for pollinators.
FAQs
Where are most acacia trees found?
Most acacias are found in Australia, where they grow natively.
Where do acacia grow in America?
Acacia species grow naturally in the hot, dry climates of southern Texas and California, drifting into Mexico.
Can acacia grow anywhere?
Acacia do not like cold, wet climates. Hardy varieties will grow anywhere they have sun exposure, hot summers, and mild winters.
Do acacia trees grow in the UK?
Some acacias can grow in the south of the UK, where the summer is hotter and the winters are mild.
What is special about the acacia tree?
Acacias are easy growers once they’re established in the right climate. They require little maintenance and have beautiful flowers in the spring.
What does an acacia tree look like?
Acacias are shrub or tree like, with a centre stem and multiple branches. Their leaves tend to be dense, small and narrow and the branches have thorns. Flowers are typically either white or yellow.
Is the acacia tree an invasive species?
Some species of acacia are invasive, like the golden wattle which forms vast thickets if left unattended. Others are less invasive and can be grown as standalone shrubs.
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