Pearl acacia - Acacia podalyriifolia (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Pearl acacia

Also known as: Silver-leaved golden wattle, Queensland silver wattle, Queensland wattle

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Pearl acacia (Acacia podalyriifolia)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring, Winter

Bloom Time

Yellow

Flower Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Pearl acacia

Distribution of Pearl acacia

Distribution Map

Pearl acacia showcases a diverse geographical presence beyond its native habitat, particularly across regions within Oceania, Asia, Africa, and South America. Cultivation of pearl acacia is widespread due to its ornamental value. In some areas, pearl acacia is sometimes thought to be a naturalized species, and may have an impact on local ecosystems, albeit not uniformly. It has been reported as invasive in certain Eastern African regions where its presence may contribute to ecological shifts.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Sandstone hills in open Eucalyptus forest, rocks

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Toxicity

Pearl acacia leaves contain hydrogen cyanide, posing moderate toxicity risk through ingestion to humans, cats, and dogs. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, dizziness, vomiting, and nausea. Severe cases can lead to convulsions and loss of consciousness. Immediate veterinary/medical care is crucial if ingestion occurs to mitigate adverse effects and ensure recovery.

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Quickly Identify Pearl acacia

Evergreen plant, reaches 20 feet (6 meters) in height with silvery-gray, round phyllodes as leaves.

Produces small, fluffy clusters of bright yellow flowers in winter to early spring.

Thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, moderate cold tolerance down to 25°F (-4°C).

Can be pruned to shape a rounded canopy or kept as a compact bush.

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Care Guide for Pearl acacia

Every 2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Pearl acacia thrives in arid Australian conditions, showing high drought tolerance. It needs minimal watering, about once every two weeks. Primarily grown outdoors, pearl acacia aligns its growing season with its native dry climate, requiring less frequent irrigation than tropical plants.

Fertilize: For pearl acacia, optimize growth by applying balanced nutrition fertilizers quarterly. Adjust frequency during growth seasons and use granular or liquid forms as per guidelines. Water thoroughly after application, and carefully monitor to avoid overfeeding, ensuring healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

Pruning: Pearl acacia features vibrant yellow flowers and silvery foliage. Prune pearl acacia from early to late winter to shape the plant, improve air circulation, and remove dead or overcrowded branches, promoting vigorous growth and preventing disease for enhanced health and aesthetic appeal.

Propagation: Pearl acacia is a silvery-foliaged shrub known for its yellow blooms. Propagation is mainly through seeds, requiring pretreatment like scarification or boiling water for better germination. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist, with germination typically occurring within a few weeks.

Repotting: Repot pearl acacia every 2-3 years, preferably in early spring, using a container slightly larger than the previous one. Use well-draining soil and maintain consistent watering after repotting to support growth and keep pearl acacia thriving.

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