Acacia alata (Winged Wattle)

Scientific Name

Acacia alata R.Br.

Common Names

Winged Wattle

Synonyms

Acacia alata var. alata, Acacia uniglandulosa, Mimosa alata, Phyllodoce alata

Scientific Classification

Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Mimosoideae
Tribe: Acacieae
Genus: Acacia

Flower

Color: White, cream or golden yellow
Bloom Time: Spring

Description

Acacia alata is a frost-hardy, large, multi-branched shrub, growing up to 7 feet (2.1 m) high and up to 40 inches (1 m) across. Its branchlets are often bent alternately in different directions. The phyllodes (modified petioles) are reduced in size and give the impression of cladodes (branches that resemble leaves). The wings of these phyllodes are up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide and up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long. Furthermore, each phyllode extends into a spine. The inflorescence is simple, with mostly two flowers per axil, but sometimes distributed in racemes. The globular heads contain 4 to 15 flowers. These flowers can be white, cream, or golden yellow.

How to Grow and Care

Acacia requires full sunlight and grows in nearly any type of soil, including sand, clay, or soil that is highly alkaline or acidic. Although Acacia prefers well-drained soil, it tolerates muddy soil for short periods. Acacia is a plant-it-and-forget-it type of tree, although a young tree may need protection from wildlife while it develops its defense system. During the first year, the tree benefits from an orchid fertilizer every three to four weeks. After that time, you can feed the tree a general-purpose fertilizer once every year, but it isn't an absolute requirement. Acacia requires little or no water.

Acacia may need occasional pruning during the dry months. Avoid pruning leafy, green areas, and trim only dead growth.

Although the tree is disease-resistant, it can sometimes be affected by a fungal disease known as anthracnose. Additionally, watch for pests such as aphids, thrips, mites, and scale. See more at How to Grow and Care for Acacia.

Origin

Native to Western Australia.

Links

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