Acacia implexa – Hickory Wattle

Description

Acacia implexa – Hickory Wattle

Family: Fabaceae
Packet Size: 30 seeds

Description

Acacia implexa, commonly known as Hickory Wattle or Lightwood, is a hardy Australian native tree with graceful, drooping, sickle-shaped leaves and a spreading crown.

Its cream to pale-yellow ball-shaped flowers generally appear in the warmer months. Twisted or coiled seed pods are characteristic of the species. Hickory Wattle can form root suckers, particularly if roots are disturbed, making it useful for some stabilisation plantings but less suitable for confined beds.

Key Features

• Flowers: Small creamy or pale-yellow globular heads, commonly in summer to autumn.
• Foliage: Long, light-green, curved leaves with several visible lengthwise veins.
• Habit: Small to medium tree, frequently 5–12 m tall and sometimes suckering.
• Garden uses: Woodland-style gardens, larger properties and selected soil-stabilisation plantings.

Growing Conditions

• Position: Full sun.
• Soil: Adapts to a range of well-drained soils, including some clay-based sites.
• Watering: Provide water while young plants become established.
• Climate: Widespread in eastern Australia; established trees tolerate some frost.
• Management: Allow room for spreading roots and possible suckering, especially after root disturbance.

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: Hickory Wattle may sucker from its roots, so avoid placing it beside small garden beds where spreading plants would be unwelcome.