Family:

Fabaceae

Acacia decora

Western Golden Wattle

Other Names: Western Silver Wattle, Showy Wattle.

Regional Subspecies:

Similar Species:

Distinguish from Box-leaf Wattle (A. buxifolia) by different habitat and inflorescence (flower structure). Refer to notes on Box-leaf Wattle.

Occurrence:

Regional:

Noted mainly in the lower areas of the Murrumbidgee catchment. Also noted in Long Plain-West Hume, and the Urana-Rand-Corowa region.

Australia:

Qld, NSW, Vic.

Habitat:

Dry sclerophyll forest on rocky hillsides and ridges.

Habit:

Erect or spreading shrub, usually 1-4 m high. Grey-blue foliage.

Site Preference:

Well-drained light to heavy soils, in full sun. Tolerates frost and resists drought.

Characteristics:

Adaptable.

Flowering:

Bright golden-yellow, usually Apr-Oct.

Seed Collection:

Early Dec to mid-Jan. Monitor closely as seeds released immediately or within 1-2 days of maturity.

Propagation:

From scarified seed or cuttings.

Regeneration:

From seed, particularly after fire.

VALUES:

Shade & Shelter:

Excellent low-level cover in windbreaks.

Land Protection:

Useful for recharge plantings. Legume — improves soil fertility by ‘fixing’ nitrogen.

Wildlife:

Good habitat. Good pollen source for many native insects and birds.

Timber:

Valuable understorey in woodlots.

Ornamental:

Decorative ornamental or feature for gardens, due to flowers and foliage. Can be pruned regularly. Adaptable in cultivation.