Cootamundra Wattle


Photo: Lorna Rose		Cootamundra Wattle Acacia baileyana Trees and Shrubs South Australia Region

	This very popular Australian native garden wattle is invasive outside its natural region of south west NSW. It has fine silvery-grey feathery foliage and soft balls of golden-yellow 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. Various non-indigenous wattle species have naturalised parts of SA roadsides and bushland. Weedy species include: Golden wreath wattle & Sallow, Sydney wattle. Other wattles to avoid growing are red-eyed wattle (A. cyclops) and Flinders Ranges Wattle (A. iteaphylla)





Additional suggested alternatives: are Grevillea species except Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta), varnish wattle (Acacia verniciflua), coastal wattle (A. longifolia var. sophorae), gold dust wattle (Acacia acinacea), myrtle wattle (Acacia myrtifolia) myrtle

Alternative Plants


Photo: Macbird Floraprint		Blue Bush Acacia covenyi Trees and Shrubs

	This tall shrub has foliage with a silver-blue tinge and rich golden spring flowers. The combination of foliage and flowers creates a stunning combination in the garden. Although rare in nature, this species has now becoming available from nurseries. It has proved to be fast-growing, frost tolerant, drought resistant and free flowering.

Photo: © immij pty ltd		Golden Wattle Acacia pycnantha Trees and Shrubs

	A small to medium height, upright evergreen tree with large foliage and strongly scented golden ball-shaped flowers from August to October. A gland at the base of the leaf-stem provides food for nectar-eating birds. It grows well in full sun to part shade on most soil types if good drainage is available. This tree can grow quickly once it is established and will be ideal for screening fences, sheds or just quick shade.

Photo: Macbird Floraprint		Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia Trees and Shrubs

	A fast-growing deciduous tree of warm climates that is widely grown as an avenue tree or lawn specimen. Growing to a height of 15 m by 10 m wide, it is best suited to larger gardens. It is well known for its trumpet-like mauve-blue flowers from late spring to early summer.

Photo: SA DWLBC		Mallee Golden Wattle, Flinders Wattle Acacia notabilis Trees and Shrubs

	This South Australian wattle grows 3–6 m high by 3–7 m wide. It has a shrubby habit and develops golden-yellow flowers in winter and early spring. It will tolerate clay, sandy and alkaline (lime) soils and is frost and drought tolerant. Plant in full-sun to semi-shade and prune to shape if necessary. Bird attracting.

Photo: SA DWLBC		Weeping Myall Acacia pendula Trees and Shrubs

	A pendulous, fast-growing tree with striking blue-grey foliage. Growing to 12 m, it develops inconspicuous, small yellow lower balls during spring. Thrives in an open full-sun position, it is drought and frost tolerant.

Photo: Bill Leithhead		Wirilda, Swamp Wattle Acacia retinodes Trees and Shrubs

	A tall, hardy shrub or small tree growing to 8 m in height. This SA native thrives in poorly drained soils in a sunny position. Globular yellow-lemon flowers appear from December to January.