Acacia concurrens – Black Wattle

Description

Acacia concurrens – Black Wattle

Family: Fabaceae
Packet Size: 30 seeds

Description

Acacia concurrens, often called Black Wattle or Curracabah, is a hardy shrub or small tree native to south-eastern Queensland and northern New South Wales. It is especially useful where quick shelter or a natural screen is wanted.

Unlike wattles with round, pompom-like flower heads, this species produces slender yellow flower spikes, usually in late winter and early spring. Its distinctive broad, slightly curved leaves (leaf-like flattened stalks) give the tree a substantial green appearance throughout the year.

Key Features

• Flowers: Golden-yellow, elongated spikes appearing mainly from late winter into early spring.
• Foliage: Broad green leaves, often curved or asymmetrical, which distinguish it from fine-leaved wattles.
• Plant habit: Fast-growing, usually a small to medium tree; may reach around 10 m in favourable conditions.
• Garden uses: Informal screening, coastal gardens, shelter planting and naturalistic native plantings.

Growing Conditions

• Position: Full sun is preferred.
• Soil: Adaptable to many soils; establish in a position with reasonable drainage.
• Watering: Keep young plants watered during establishment, then adjust to seasonal rainfall and conditions.
• Climate: Particularly well suited to warmer eastern Australian coastal districts.
• Pruning: Light formative pruning can encourage a denser screen where needed.

Seed Propagation

1. Prepare: For the hard seed coat, gently rub a small area with fine sandpaper or carefully nick the coat without damaging the seed inside. Soak in room-temperature water for approximately 12–24 hours before sowing.
2. Sow: Plant approximately 5 mm deep in a clean, freely draining seed-raising mix and firm gently.
3. Position: Place in a warm, bright, sheltered spot out of harsh midday sun while seedlings are small.
4. Moisture: Keep the mix evenly moist but not saturated.
5. Germination: Timing varies with seed age, nicking or scratching the seed coat and temperature. Continue to monitor the tray if emergence is uneven.
6. Transplant: Move seedlings to individual pots once they have established their first true leaves and can be handled safely.

Growing Note: Check that the species suits your locality and planting site, especially near natural bushland.

Germination advice: These instructions are a recommended guide. Germination results and timing may vary depending on seed freshness, storage, temperature and growing conditions. Alternative propagation methods may also be successful.