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Cootamundra Wattle

Cootamundra Wattle
Photo: Lorna Rose
Invasive Plant
Cootamundra Wattle
Acacia baileyana
 

This very popular garden wattle with fine, silvery-grey feathery foliage and masses of soft balls of golden flowers is an Australian native plant now invasive outside its natural region.

Seeds spread by ants and humans rapidly germinate. There is a high danger it will cross pollinate with the already endangered Downy Wattle (Acacia pubescens), putting it at further risk of extinction.

Cootamundra wattle is native in central western NSW and it is important to preserve this tree within its natural range.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • Both of the listed acacia species produce masses of seed pods that ripen on the tree and disperse with the help of birds, ants and small native mammals.
  • These seeds have a high rate of germination especially after a bush fire.
 

Avoid growing these weedy varieties. Visit your local Garden Centre or a specialist native plant nursery for advice about other wattle alternatives.

 
 
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Other superior selections include;

  • Melaleuca bracteata 'Revolution Gold' - Golden River Tea Tree
  • Eucalyptus torquata - Coral Gum

Ask your local retailer for more superior selections

 

Alternative Plants

Fringed Wattle
Photo: Lorna Rose
Alternative Plant Fringed Wattle
Acacia fimbriata
Trees and Shrubs
 

Bushy 7m tree with fine, darkgreen leaves, bronze tips in spring and perfumed, pale lemon to golden flower balls. Suits a variety of soils with good drainage.

Snow in Summer
Photo: immij floramedia
Alternative Plant Snow in Summer
Melaleuca linariifolia
Trees and Shrubs
 

A medium growing Australian native tree often reaches 10m in height. Prefers a site with good moisture and makes a very effective screen. The highlight is when the plant comes into flower late spring to summer. It is covered in masses of white fluffy flowers in cylindrical spikes. This tree makes a truly spectacular addition to any garden.

Zig Zag Wattle
Photo: immij floramedia
Alternative Plant Zig Zag Wattle
Acacia macradenia
Trees and Shrubs
 

This is a beautiful large pendulous shrub which grows to 6m in height. It has interesting branches that form a 'zigzag' pattern and hold large lanceolate phyllodes (modified stems that look like leaves). The plant is covered in masses of small yellow ball type flowers in late winter to spring. This Acacia is tolerant of dry conditions but frost tender.

 
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