Sallow, Sydney Wattle


Photo: © immij pty ltd		Sallow, Sydney Wattle Acacia longifolia ssp. longifolia Trees and Shrubs South Australia Region

	This species grows to 4 m high with a distinctive grey bark with mid green lanceolate leaves. This wattle is native to NSW and Victoria and flowers in late winter with masses of golden-yellow blooms.

HOW IT SPREADS Produces masses of seed pods that ripen on the tree and disperse with the help of birds, ants and small native mammals.

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 & Cootamundra wattle. Other wattles to avoid growing are red-eyed wattle (A. cyclops) and Flinders Ranges Wattle (A. iteaphylla)





Additional suggested alternatives are Callistemon species and Swamp Wattle (Acacia retinodes), varnish wattle (Acacia verniciflua), coastal wattle (A. longifolia var. sophorae), gold dust wattle (Acacia acinacea), myrtle wattle (Acacia myrtifolia).

Alternative Plants


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: 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: Macbird Floraprint		Native Frangipani Hymenosporum flavum Trees and Shrubs

	A fast-growing, ever-green tree to 9 m with glossy, rich green, oval leaves. In spring this Australian native plant bears terminal clusters of very fragrant, tubular, cream flowers that age to a golden yellow. Ideal for small and large gardens, parks and road sides. Flowers best when grown in the open, but will tolerate some shade. Protect young seedlings from frost. This tree will benefit from watering during extended dry periods.

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.