Family:

Fabaceae

Acacia lanigera

Woolly Wattle

Other Names:

Name Origin:

lanigera — from Latin lana, wool, and gerus, bearing, referring to woolly hairs on ‘leaves’ and stems.

Regional Subspecies:

A. l. subsp. lanigera

Similar Species:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Noted on the drier hills of many catchments and districts, east of the Olympic Highway.

Australia:

NSW, Vic.

Habitat:

Woodland and dry sclerophyll forest, on poor gravely and sandy soil.

Habit:

Small erect or spreading shrub 50 cm to 3 m high, with rigid stems and ‘leaves’. Grey bark and flattened or angled hairy branchlets.

Site Preference:

Well-drained soils. Tolerates short periods of wetness.

Flowering:

Golden-yellow, usually Jul-Sept.

Seed Collection:

Mid Nov to early Jan, when pods are brown and curled. Monitor closely as seeds released immediately or 1-2 days after maturity.

Propagation:

From scarified seed. Pour boiling or very hot water over seeds and soak for several hours before sowing.

Regeneration:

From seed, particularly after fire. Establishes moderately well when direct seeded.

VALUES:

Shade & Shelter:

Useful low-level cover in windbreaks.

Land Protection:

Useful for stabilising soil and improving soil fertility. Legume — improves soil fertility by ‘fixing’ nitrogen.

Wildlife:

Good habitat. Flowers are a pollen source for native moths, butterflies and other native insects, and a nectar-source for birds including honeyeaters. Insect-eating birds attracted. Native birds, including parrots and pigeons eat seeds.

Ornamental:

Attractive ornamental for gardens, due to foliage and early flowering. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Adaptable.