Scientific Name
Acacia denticulosa F.Muell.
Common Name(s)
Sandpaper Wattle
Synonym(s)
Racosperma denticulosum
Scientific Classification
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Mimosoideae
Tribe: Acacieae
Genus: Acacia
Flower
Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
Description
Acacia denticulosa is an open, spreading shrub or small tree with an upright habit, growing up to 13.3 feet (4 m) tall. Leaves or phyllodes are up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long, toothed along the margins with a rough surface, explaining the common name. The plant produces spikes of curved or rod-shaped, yellow, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long flowers that appear in late winter through early spring.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9a to 10b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Acacia requires full sunlight and grows in nearly any soil, including sand, clay, or highly alkaline or acidic soil. 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 developing 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. However, 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 the southwest of Western Australia.
Links
- Back to genus Acacia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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