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.