How to identify Sydney golden wattle (Acacia longifolia)

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How to identify Sydney golden wattle (Acacia longifolia)

Sydney golden wattle, also known as White sallow, Golden wattle, Sallow wattle, Longleaf wattle, Long-leaved acacia

Sydney golden wattle is characterized by reaching up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall and equally wide. Its delicate, elongated light green leaves complement the puffy, fragrant, golden yellow flowers that bloom from winter to early spring. The blossoms cluster at the ends of the branches, offering a striking seasonal display. Its endurance against salty conditions, drought, and frost, withstanding temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.7 degrees Celsius), mark it as robust for various landscapes.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Sydney golden wattle

20 feet (6 meters) tall, wide with light green leaves.

Golden yellow puffy flowers bloom in winter to early spring.

Salt, drought, frost-resistant; withstands -6.7°C (20°F).

Sydney golden wattle and Their Similar Plants

Blackwood vs. Sydney golden wattle: What's The Difference?

Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) is a deciduous tree that's also known as the "Black Wattle," "Lightwood," and "Tasmanian Blackwood." It's a member of the Legume family, which also includes peas and beans. Blackwood is a native of Australia. It's also found in a small part of the eastern coast of the United States.

Pearl acacia vs. Sydney golden wattle: What's The Difference?

Acacia podalyriifolia, or pearl acacia, is a small evergreen tree or shrub from Australia that grows very quickly. Blooms profusely with fluffy yellow flowers and is sometimes grown ornamentally. Introduced into western North America in 1908. It can quickly form dense stands, crowding out native species.

Cootamundra wattle vs. Sydney golden wattle: What's The Difference?

Cootamundra wattle (Acacia baileyana) is a large evergreen shrub or small tree that will grow from 6 to 9 m tall. It has a wide canopy and weeping branches. Its feathery foliage emerges in different shades of purple changing to bluish gray as they mature. Blooms in spring with fragrant golden-yellow flowers. Thrives in full sun with moist well-drained soil.

Knife acacia vs. Sydney golden wattle: What's The Difference?

Knife acacia is named for its knife-like leaves, which are actually leaf stems. This Australian native is popular for this unusual foliage and bright yellow flowers. It has escaped cultivation to become naturalized on several continents. An attention-grabbing specimen shrub, it also works well as a screen and attracts birds to the garden.

Blue bush vs. Sydney golden wattle: What's The Difference?

Blue bush stands out and is named for its blue-gray, evergreen leaves. This rare Australian native is a popular ornamental shrub or tree whose dense foliage makes a good hedge. It is also grown as a specimen tree that contrasts attractively with surrounding green-leaved plants. Its yellow flowers have a pleasant fragrance.

Bower wattle vs. Sydney golden wattle: What's The Difference?

The most cultivated of all the wattles, the bower wattle is a fast-growing, small tree or big shrub with beautiful weeping branches. These weeping branches form a soft screen wherever they are placed. Its pale yellow flower spikes entice bees, while its seeds entice birds.

Bailey's acacia 'Purpurea' vs. Sydney golden wattle: What's The Difference?

Bailey's acacia 'Purpurea' is a stunning small evergreen tree that originated in Australia. The cultivar is distinct because of its feathery foliage that has an intense lavender-to-purple color upon emerging, and then turns to bluish-gray with age. Masses of yellow fragrant flowers appear in early winter and last through spring. Bailey's acacia 'Purpurea' has a natural umbrella shape and grows rapidly, reaching its full height of 6 to 9 m in only 3 years.

Flinder's range wattle vs. Sydney golden wattle: What's The Difference?

Flinder's range wattle, with its slender, willow-like foliage and fluffy yellow flowers, thrives in dry climates. Its long leaves, sometimes up to 20 cm, and distinctive flowering spikes, radiate a sweet fragrance that attracts various pollinators. This hardy shrub adapts well to coastal environments, often becoming a vital windbreak and habitat for local wildlife.

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Key Facts About Sydney golden wattle

Attributes of Sydney golden wattle

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height

7 m to 10 m

Spread

3 m to 3.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Gray

Flower Size

2 cm to 5 cm

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Sydney golden wattle

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Legumes, milkworts and allies

Family

Legume

Genus

Acacias

Species

Sydney golden wattle (Acacia longifolia)

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Distribution Map of Sydney golden wattle

The distribution of sydney golden wattle spans several continents, featuring both native and introduced ranges. Native to the southern hemisphere, sydney golden wattle has also been cultivated in various regions around the globe. The plant is sometimes thought to be a bit too successful in certain areas, where its presence may have an impact on local ecosystems. In particular, sydney golden wattle is considered invasive in parts of the southern hemisphere and the Iberian Peninsula, where careful management is required to balance its cultivation with the health of native plant communities.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Sydney golden wattle

A Comprehensive Guide to Sydney golden wattle How to Grow and Care for Sydney golden wattle