Fabaceae

Upright to spreading shrub, 2-4m high with many slender branches. Has profuse golden flowers (Aug – Oct). 

Footslopes and ridges. Gravelly red earth. Tolerates frost, drought and lime. Withstands short periods of waterlogging. An adaptable, hardy shrub. 

Mid November to mid February. Mature seed released immediately or within 12 days of maturity. Collection may be easier if a sheet or mat is placed under the bush and the branches are shaken to release seed. The fallen pods should then be crushed and sieved to obtain seed.

From seed which must be scarified or heat treated prior to sowing to break the hard seed coat. Sow seed in spring (approx. 5 viable seeds per gram). Can also be grown from cuttings.

Regenerates by stem coppicing after fire, also from seed.

Useful low-level cover in windbreaks. 

Legume, improves soil fertility by fixing nitrogen. Fast Growing.

The seeds are a basic part of the diet of the rare Mallee Fowl. Food plant for caterpillars of native butterflies and moths, which in turn attract insect eating birds. 

Cultivated widely as ornamental. An adaptable, hardy shrub.

Bark excellent for use in tanning.