Cootamundra wattle - Acacia baileyana (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Cootamundra wattle

Also known as: Fernleaf acacia, Bailey's wattle, Bailey's mimosa

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Cootamundra wattle (Acacia baileyana)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree, Shrub

Plant Type

Spring, Winter

Bloom Time

3 m to 10 m

Plant Height

6 m to 12 m

Spread

Green, Gray, Silver

Leaf Color

3.5 mm to 7 mm

Flower Size

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Cootamundra wattle

Distribution of Cootamundra wattle

Distribution Map

Cootamundra wattle is a plant species indigenous to southeastern regions of Australia. Beyond its native habitat, it has been introduced and cultivated in various places across North & South America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in several climates, leading to a widespread cultivation status beyond its original range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Interesting Facts

Acacia baileyana is easy to grow and has become naturalized in places outside its native range where it sometimes competes with native flora. Cootamundra wattle is used for commercial honey production and has also earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Name Story

Cootamundra wattle: The cootamundra wattle is indigenous to a small area in Northwest Australia that includes the district of Cootamundra. The scientific species epithet honors Frederick Manson Bailey (1827-1915), an Australian botanist who contributed to the classification of plant species in Queensland.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Cootamundra wattle, including the following common varieties :

Bailey's acacia 'Purpurea'

Toxicity

Cootamundra wattle poses a moderate toxicity risk to humans, cats, and dogs. Ingestion of its leaves, which contain hydrogen cyanide, can lead to serious symptoms like difficulty breathing, dizziness, and nausea. Severe cases may result in convulsions or coma. Immediate medical or veterinary care is critical if cootamundra wattle poisoning is suspected to prevent serious health complications.

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Quickly Identify Cootamundra wattle

Silvery blue-gray feathery leaves on weeping branches

Bright golden yellow spherical flowers in late winter to early spring

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Care Guide for Cootamundra wattle

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from arid regions, cootamundra wattle exhibits high drought tolerance, needing infrequent watering (once every 2-3 weeks). Thriving in well-draining soil, it excels in landscapes and is ideal for xeriscaping, effectively flourishing with minimal rainfall.

Fertilize: For cootamundra wattle, apply balanced nutrition fertilizers bi-annually in spring and mid-summer, following product guidelines to avoid over-fertilization. Monitor plant response and adjust care during growth and environmental stress. Dilute as instructed to prevent root burn, promoting vigorous growth and resilience in cootamundra wattle.

Pruning: Cootamundra wattle features lush foliage and yellow blooms, requiring annual pruning from early to late winter post-blooming. This involves removing dead branches, thinning dense areas for airflow, and enhances flowering. Regular pruning supports vigorous growth and reduces pest and disease risks.

Propagation: Cootamundra wattle is a frost-tolerant, fast-growing tree known for its attractive foliage and yellow flowers. For propagation, semi-hardwood cuttings with nodes are recommended, using rooting hormone in well-draining media with high humidity and indirect light. Regular misting is essential for moisture retention.

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