Sydney wattle
acacia longifolia
Also known as: ["Syringa tree","Coastal wattle"]
Overview
A fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree native to Australia, known for its bright yellow flowers and hardy nature.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Acacia |
| Botanical Name: | Acacia longifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sunny, open area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy with insufficient light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to avoid scorching; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is ideal; rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, then allow soil to dry out; avoid frequent shallow watering; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter if needed.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); can tolerate mild frosts but thrives in subtropical to warm-temperate climates.
Protect from frost; provide shade in extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 3 months with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only in spring; use a balanced formula; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed propagation; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in propagation medium.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination can take 3–6 weeks with pre-soaking or scarification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use fresh cuttings; maintain high humidity; ensure bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to encourage denser growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased wood.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; Acacia longifolia can become root-bound.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation of the soil; water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf drop; prolonged cold can damage or kill the plant.
Solution: Protect from frost with a frost cloth; move potted plants indoors during cold spells; ensure good drainage to prevent cold root damage.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may lead to water stress if not watered adequately.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as Acacia species are generally not heavy feeders.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Acacia longifolia. The plant's seeds and flowers contain compounds that can cause irritation, though cats are generally less likely to consume these parts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Acacia longifolia seeds and flowers can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant contains compounds that may cause irritation to the digestive tract, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicAcacia longifolia contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and allergic reactions in humans. The seeds and flowers are the primary toxic parts, containing lectins and other bioactive compounds that may interfere with digestion and cause irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Acacia longifolia toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How often should it be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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