This small tree has an erect short trunk with spreading branches that forms a rounded crown. It has silvery grey feathery leaves and the fragrant golden yellow ball-shaped flowers appear profusely from late winter to spring and followed by pods.
Hardiness zones 8 to 10
Acacia baileyanais naturally found in Australia growing in a restricted area from Canberra to Wagga Wagga but has naturalised in Queensland, Victoria and South Australia in areas of no snow. It is fast growing but short lived, 10 to 15 years but self sows readily and is regarded as a weed in some regions.
It prefers a well drained moderately fertile soil that is tending acidic with a pH 5.5-6.5 and grows in an open sunny to semi shaded position and is frost, light drought and 2nd line salt tolerant.
The Cootamundra Wattle is grown for its flowers and spreading crown. It is planted in parks and native gardens as a specimen or as a shade tree and used as a wind break. It is also grown for screen planting and is suitable for coastal and inland regions establishing in 2 to 4 years. It attracts birds and the timber is used for fuel and other uses include; nurse tree, firebreak, embankment plantings and as an informal hedge. ID 139
Acacia(a-KAY-see-a) / (a-KAH-kee-a) baileyana(bay-lee-AH-na)
"Acacia": from Greek akazo - to sharpen (some species have sharp thorns); "baileyana": after Australian botanist F. Manson Bailey.
Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)
subfamilyMimosoideae
Wattles