Acacia linifolia – White Wattle

Description

Acacia linifolia – White Wattle

Family: Fabaceae
Packet Size: 30 seeds

Description

Acacia linifolia, known as White Wattle or Flax-leaved Wattle, is a graceful eastern Australian shrub with fine, slender foliage and an open, arching growth habit. It is particularly associated with sandstone country in New South Wales.

Clusters of small cream-white to pale-yellow ball-shaped flowers sit among the narrow green leaves. Flowering can occur at different times of year, creating a delicate display that contrasts with the larger golden blooms of many other wattles.

Key Features

• Flowers: Small cream-white to pale-yellow globular heads on slender flower stalks.
• Foliage: Very narrow green leaves with a fine, flax-like appearance.
• Habit: Open to spreading shrub, commonly around 1.5–4 m high.
• Garden uses: Fine-textured feature plant, informal shrub border and naturalistic native garden.

Growing Conditions

• Position: Full sun to light shade.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is important; the species occurs naturally on sandy sandstone-based sites as well as some clay soils.
• Watering: Water regularly until established, then according to local rainfall and soil conditions.
• Climate: Most naturally associated with the Sydney and nearby New South Wales region.
• Pruning: Light shaping after flowering may improve density while retaining the airy habit.

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: Its flowers are typically cream to very pale yellow; the common name White Wattle refers to the flowers, not white foliage.