More of a bushy shrub or perhaps a small tree, Acacia Longifolia is useful in land reclamation where it can provide protection for smaller or slower growing species.
It grows well in a range of soils including coastal sandy soil as long as drainage is good. Growing naturally along the east coast of Australia through to South Australia, life span is around 4 – 7 years.
Also known as the long leaf wattle which describes the leaf structure, and the Sydney Golden Wattle, it will flower in winter in spring with spot flowering year round with typical golden yellow flowers like most Acacia species.
Acacia Longifolia Varieties
- Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia is the plant identified as the Sydney Golden Wattle and this is the more upright species.
- Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae is a lower growing species identified as the coastal wattle.
Care and Growing Conditions
Plant in a sunny position in a well drained soil.
Lightly mulch around the plant and water in well.
Fertiliser is generally not required, in very poor soils a little low phosphate Australian Native plant fertiliser may be beneficial.
Pruning
New growth can be pruned back by 1/3 to maintain a bushy habit. Do not prune back into old wood.
Details
- Botanical Name – Acacia Longifolia
- Family – Mimosaceae
- Common Names – Long Leaf Wattle, Sydney Golden Wattle, Sallow Wattle,
- Position – Full sun
- Soil – Well drained, sandy, sandy loam, loam.
- Height – To around 5 metres, often smaller
- Spread/Width – To around 4 metres
- Growth Rate – Medium to Fast
- Foliage – Mid green flattened leaves/stems
- Flowers – Golden yellow balls.
- Flowering Time – Winter to spring, spot flowering through the year.
- Fruit/Seeds – Long pods follow the flowers.
- Drought tolerant – Yes once established.
- Coastal conditions – Yes
- Frost Tolerant – Yes.
Available for sale from the following Nurseries
"Propagation and Production of Native and Exotic Trees
with Natural Root Systems from 2 to 2,000 lts."
www.njrivett.com.au