Family:

Fabaceae

Acacia genistifolia

Spreading Wattle

(syn. A. diffusa)

Other Names: Early Wattle, Wild Irishman

Name Origin:

genistifolia – refers to likeness of foliage to some broom (Genista) species.

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Mainly in areas north-east of the Olympic Highway. Noted in the areas: Oberne-Tarcutta;  Mates  Gully;  Upper  Burkes;  Upper  Kyeamba; Livingstone; O’Briens South & McLeods; O’Briens North; Lower O’Briens & Tywong; Lake Albert; Yerong Creek-Wattle Creek; Binni; Lower Sandy; Sawyers-Forest-Four Post & Little Billabong, and Yambla.

Australia:

NSW, Vic, Tas.

Habitat:

Dry sclerophyll forest on gravely and shaley soils.

Habit:

Erect or spreading, much-branched spiny shrub, 1-3 m high.

Site Preference:

Well-drained soil. Dappled shade, partial or full sun. Withstands extended wet or dry periods and frost.

Characteristics:

Adaptable and fast-growing. Very hardy.

Flowering:

Pale yellow to more or less white, usually Jul-Oct. Long flowering period. Pungent perfume.

Seed Collection:

Late Nov to late Dec. Monitor closely as seeds released immediately or within 1-2 days of maturity.

Propagation:

From seed (45-84 viable seeds per gram), or cuttings.

Regeneration:

From scarified seed.

VALUES:

Shade & Shelter:

Useful low-level cover in windbreaks.

Land Protection:

Coloniser of bare land. Legume — improves soil fertility by ‘fixing’ nitrogen.

Wildlife:

Excellent habitat. Useful refuge for small native birds due to prickliness.

Ornamental:

Attractive ornamental, particularly when flowering (during ‘off’ season). Useful barrier plant to direct traffic and for low maintenance areas. Often self-seeds in garden.