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.