The Virtuous Acacia

When one hears the name Acacia, one might, unfortunately, think of shrubs which take over the countryside and create allergic reactions in those who are so inclined. At first, I too was not impressed with the genus, only knowing the ones that were taking over the ditches near where I grew up (Black Acacia). Well, please, let me tell you that Acacias don’t deserve such a bad rap. As a matter of fact, in my humble opinion, they seem to have many good virtues, and offer much to the gardener.

In a genus of more than 1500 species around the globe, with the concentration in the Southern Hemisphere, Acacias come in a wide range of shapes and sizes: from grand forest trees of 150’, to low groundcovers no more than several inches tall; with the majority (over 900 species) coming from Australia, where they are known as Wattles. Depending on the variety, many are grown for: cut flowers, oil, gum, wood and lumber production, fodder, dye, perfume, hedges and fencing, preventing soil erosion and many ornamental purposes. As so many of the best among Acacias are from Australia, many of them do well in our various, and often dramatically different, California climatic zones. Acacias are naturally found occurring in rainforests, along the coast and in arid, inland regions. In such a varied group, there is certainly a plant for almost any garden setting. There are even smaller-growing varieties which can readily be grown in pots, as well as some which are suitable for Bonsai.

Flower variation is minimal – being either a mass of small flowers in either rod-shaped or spherical clusters; varying from white, cream and yellow (though there are a few which are orange and one that’s purple). Though, each individual flower may not be much to behold, when many species are in full bloom, they are truly awesome sights indeed; with many being magnets for wildlife – bees, butterflies and birds. And, after blooming is past, many offer decorative, bean-like seedpods (some of which are edible to humans, and others which are relished by birds and livestock).

An Acacia in bloom may be quite spectacular, yet it is actually the foliage (or lack of, in some) which captured my attention most. There are some species which have leaves, though most have what are actually known as phyllodes. The foliage is far more varied than the flowers, with some resembling feathers (A. baileyana, dealbata), grasses (A. restiaceae, extensa), elephant ears (A. dunnii), shoelaces (A. stenophylla), barbed-wire (A. riceana, verticillata), wings (A. glaucoptera, triptera), and even some without any foliage at all (A. aphylla).

Most acacias are quite adaptable to various soils, though most prefer it well-drained in full sun. Fortunately, there are quite a number which will enjoy shaded and even boggy conditions, as well as those which are drought tolerant, gopher, deer, and even pest resistant.

A few of the most frequently encountered are: Acacia baileyana, in its 3 various color forms. Acacia dealbata, a small tree with silvery, feather-like foliage. A. pravissima, a large shrub with interesting, triangular foliage, and providing fast, dense screening. A. floribunda, grown for its abundant flowers (hence the name), and A. longifolia which is great for a fast hedge.

If you are an Acacia skeptic, I hope I’ve piqued your curiosity. If you’re already a fan, then perhaps this will entice you to look further at this wonderful and useful group of plants.