The Golden Wattle ( Acacia pycnantha ) is our national Australian Floral Emblem. It is native to southeastern Australia but can be found in all states. Golden wattle is one of our most recognisable native plants and was apparently the inspiration for our ‘green and gold’ national colours. Golden Wattle is also displayed on the Australian Coat of Arms.
Queen Elizabeth II wore Golden Wattle on her coronation gown as a symbol of Australia when she took the throne back in 1953. Displayed also at Prince Harry’s wedding on the veil of Meghan Markle more recently.
The Acacia pycnantha tree is often grown for an ornamental, for the display of yellow flowers it produces through spring and summer. Wattles are often falsely accused of causing hay fever but studies have shown that this is very rarely the case.
Growth
Golden wattle is a relatively small tree growing only to around 8 metres high and 6 metres wide. The leaves grow to around 14 cm in length and its flowers look like little pom poms and are bright yellow. This species is cold tolerant to temperatures of -7°C and once established is hardy being drought, wind and heat tolerant. Acacia pycnantha has a short life span of 15-30 years.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Fabaceae
CLIMATE:
Cool Temperate, Temperate, Sub Tropical & Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-7°C to 45°C / 19 to 112°F
SOIL TYPE:
Is tolerant of most types of soil but prefers a well-draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 8 metres (26 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 6 metres (20 feet)
pH:
5.0-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Birds
MATURITY:
3-4 years
GERMINATION RATES:
92%
GERMINATION TIME:
1-4 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 50 seeds
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
EDIBLE:
Seeds
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT ACACIA PYCNANTHA (Golden Wattle)
The Golden Wattle was declared the floral emblem of Australia back in 1988. It displays both the green and gold national colours when in flower. Both yellow and green dyes can be made from the tree, and it is cultivated worldwide for the high quantities of tannin in its bark.
The seed of Acacia pycnantha is edible. Green seed can be cooked like any other vegetable and the ripe seed can be roasted and eaten or ground into a powder to make flour.
