| ACACIA DEALBATA
Silver Wattle
Species Name: Acacia dealbata
Family: Fabaceae (legume family)
Plant Type: Broad-leaf tree
Description: Evergreen tree, height 30-50 feet tall and wide (9-15 m), with a broad, rounded shape, gray bark.
 
Leaf: Twice pinnate, fern-like leaves. The rachis (main leaf stem) 0.4-1.2 inches long (1-3 cm) with 8-20 pairs of pinnae, each with 25-40 pairs of leaflets.
Flower: February-April, bisexual: small golden yellow flower clusters in the shape of a ball, 0.25 inch in diameter (6 mm), each with 20-25 individual flowers. The flower peduncles are pubescent (hairy). Flowers appear after leaves.
Fruit/Seed: Dry, brown, straight or slightly curved, dehiscent pod, 2 to 3.6 inches long (5-9 cm), and 0.5 inch broad (8-12mm).
Typical Location: Drought
tolerant plant that can inhabit upland communities and disturbed sites,
outside of the riparian zone, elevations below 1,600 feet (500 m)
Invasiveness: Not listed as a pest species in California, but probably aggressive in natural areas
Key Notes: Australian Acacias are commonly called wattles, while species of African and American origins are commonly called acacias. Easily distinguished by leaf shape.
Notes: Acacias bloom early and may cause allergic reactions in many people
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