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Cootamundra Wattle

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

This very popular Australian native garden wattle is invasive outside its natural region. It has fine silvery-grey feathery foliage and soft balls of goldenyellow flowers. This species can cause 'genetic pollution', being able to hybridise with other indigenous species, such as the endangered Downy Wattle (Acacia pubescens), putting it at further risk of extinction.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • The seeds are carried by ants, small mammals and humans and are very long lived in the soil.
  • They have a high rate of germination especially after a bush fire or soil disturbance.
 

Avoid growing any weedy wattles. Visit your local garden centre or a specialist native plant nursery to source endemic, local wattle species.

 
 
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Alternative Plants

Golden Honey-myrtle
Photo: © immij pty ltd
Alternative Plant Golden Honey-myrtle
Melaleuca bracteata 'Revolution Gold'
Trees and Shrubs
 

This is a beautiful, goldenfoliaged, Australian native shrub to 4 m by 2 m wide. Its golden foliage provides year round colour in gardens. An ideal screening shrub or feature specimen. In spring the creamy-yellow brushes are bird attracting. It requires little attention and will grow in a wide range of soils and garden conditions. Prefers an open sunny position and regular pruning to maintain shape and to encourage new growth.

White Sallee Wattle
Photo: Lorna Rose
Alternative Plant White Sallee Wattle
Acacia floribunda
Trees and Shrubs
 

A small, fast growing long-lived evergreen tree living up to 30 years. Growing to a height of 6 m, it has drooping branches and pale yellow flowers in late winter-early spring.

Willow Leaf Wattle
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Willow Leaf Wattle
Acacia iteaphylla
Trees and Shrubs
 

Versatile in its habit, growing to a height of 2–4 m with some forms upright, whilst others are pendulous and bushy. A profuse flowering of perfumed goldenyellow blooms in spring is followed by intermittent blooms throughout the year.

 
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