This small tree to large shrub has an upright trunk with spreading branches that form a open crown. It has bright green fern-like leaves and the small yellow-green bottlebrush-like flowers appear from late autumn to spring. 

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Paraserianthes lophantha is naturally found in Western Australia growing in moderately fertile well drained soil in an open sunny position. It can tolerate seasonal waterlogging and frost but is drought tender. 

Cape Wattle is planted for its fast growth rate and its attractive foliage. It is planted along garden borders for screening or used as a small shade tree. It is suitable for coastal regions establishing in 2 to 3 years and often only reach 4m (12ft) under cultivation. It is regarded as a weed in some regions as it self-sows readily. ID 472

Paraserianthes (pa-ra-ser-ee-ANTH-eez) lophantha (low-FAN-tha)

“Albizia” commemorates fourteenth century Florentine naturalist Franchescino Albizzi; “distachya”, (old name) Greek for “two spikes”, referring to the paired spikes of flowers.

Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)