Acacia dealbata – Silver Wattle

Description

Acacia dealbata – Silver Wattle

Family: Fabaceae
Packet Size: 40 seeds

Description

Acacia dealbata, or Silver Wattle, is a fast-growing native Australian tree recognised by its fine, silvery blue-green fern-like foliage. Unlike many wattles, it retains true bipinnate (twice-divided) leaves rather than developing flattened leaves.

During late winter and spring, its branches carry sprays of small, golden-yellow, ball-shaped flowers. It can become a substantial tree, so it is best suited to larger gardens, shelterbelts and appropriate landscape plantings rather than tight spaces.

Key Features

• Flowers: Clusters of yellow pompom-like flowers from late winter to spring.
• Foliage: Soft, feathery, silvery-grey bipinnate leaves retained on mature plants.
• Habit: Quick-growing medium-sized tree, potentially 20–30 m in favourable conditions.
• Garden uses: Feature tree, windbreak and larger native plantings where there is room for its eventual size.

Growing Conditions

• Position: Full sun for strong growth and abundant flowering.
• Soil: Adaptable to many soils where drainage is reasonably good.
• Watering: Provide regular water during establishment; established plants may cope with seasonal dry spells.
• Climate: Suited to temperate areas and generally tolerant of frost once established.
• Management: Allow for a large mature tree and its potential to produce self-sown seedlings.

Seed Propagation

• Prepare: Wattle seeds usually have a hard, water-resistant coat. Lightly rub one side with fine sandpaper or carefully nick the seed coat without harming the embryo. Soak in room-temperature water for around 12–24 hours before sowing.
• Sow: Sow seeds about 5 mm deep in a clean, freely draining seed-raising mix.
• Position: Keep in a warm, bright, sheltered place; protect young seedlings from harsh direct midday sun.
• Moisture: Keep the mix consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Germination: Timing varies with temperature, seed age and nicking or scratching the seed coat. Allow additional time for any seeds whose coats have not softened.
• Transplant: Move seedlings into individual pots once they have true leaves and can be handled without damage.

Growing Note: Silver Wattle may spread beyond its native range. Check local weed advice before planting in or near bushland.