Acacia or as they are commonly called 'Wattle Trees' are widespread with over 1500 species, nearly 1000 of which are found in Australia. Commonly refered to as 'Wattle Trees'. The' Golden Wattle' or Acacia pycnatha (pictured below) is the National Floral Emblem of Australia, and being a smaller growing species can be at home in the garden.

Acacias are best know for the golden yellow flowers during winter and spring. The 'Silver Wattle' or Acacia dealbata is widely used in urban gardens. Acacia longifolia or 'Sydney golden wattle' is another popular species. Pictured top right is Acacia beckleri from the Flinders ranges, this acacia forms a rounded bush to 2m, well suited to smalller gardens.

Low growing species such as Acacia cognata can look great in a tub and are extremely popular with landscapers, Acacia cognata is a great plant in rockeries, but works its magic as a low border plant or a replacement for buxus. Look for Acacia cognata 'River Cascade', Acacia cognata 'Limelight' and Acacia cognata Dwarf 'Mini Cog'.

Wattles are easy to grow and generally are regarded as drought tolerant, they handle full sun to light shade and do best when planted as young trees of tubestock. Wattles can be pruned back after flowering to keep a more compact growth habit. Acacia drummondi is a small growing species, 2-3m.

Acacia podalyrifolia or 'Mount Morgan Wattle' is popular in the home garden. Acacia baileyana (pictured below) is well known as the 'Cootamundra Wattle' .