Family:

Fabaceae

Acacia hakeoides

Hakea Wattle

Other Names: Western Black Wattle, Hakea-leaved Wattle

Name Origin:

hakeoides – refers to likeness of ‘leaves’ to those of some Hakeas.

Regional Subspecies:

Similar Species:

Distinguish from Drooping Wattle (A. difformis) by ‘leaf’. Drooping Wattle has lighter green ‘leaf’ and flattened ‘leaf’ stem.

Occurrence:

Regional:

Common in areas west of the Olympic Highway.

Australia:

Qld, NSW, Vic, SA, WA.

Habitat:

Woodland and mallee, on sand.

Habit:

Erect or spreading hairless shrub, mostly 1-6 m high. Smooth or finely fissured grey-brown bark and angled or flattened branchlets

Site Preference:

Medium to well-drained light to heavy soils. Partial or full sun. Very hardy. Withstands frosts and extended dry periods.

Characteristics:

Moderate growth rate. Lifespan up to several decades. Not known to be eaten by livestock.

Flowering:

Golden-yellow, usually Jul-Nov.

Seed Collection:

Early Dec to late Jan.

Propagation:

From scarified seed (± 12 viable seeds per gram), or cuttings.

Regeneration:

Frequently forms dense thickets. Establishes readily when direct seeded.

VALUES:

Shade & Shelter:

Excellent low-level cover in windbreaks.

Land Protection:

Useful for controlling soil erosion due to soil-binding fibrous roots. Legume — improves soil fertility by ‘fixing’ nitrogen.

Wildlife:

Good habitat. Flowers are a food source for native insects and birds.

Fuel:

Good.

Ornamental:

Excellent ornamental due to quick growth, prolific flowers and dark foliage.