General Description:

Acacia is a genus of around 1300 species, about 950 of which occur in Australia. Until recently the genus was more broadly described with about 1400 species spread over five sub-genera. This is discussed further in our dedicated Acacia page.

Acacias occur in all Australian states from coastal zones to mountains to the dry inland. Collectively, acacias are known as “wattles” and one of them, Acacia pycnantha, is the national floral emblem. The green and gold colours of the foliage and flowers has provided Australia’s official colours.

Like most members of the genus Acacia, A.longifolia does not have true leaves when mature but has leaf-like flattened stems called phyllodes. In A.longifolia the phyllodes are bright green with prominent longitudal veins.

Acacia longifolia comprises two subspecies:

• subsp. longifolia – medium shrub or small tree to 6 metres with elongated phyllodes.
• subsp. sophorae – prostrate to medium shrub to 2-3 metres with generally oval-shaped phyllodes and which is generally found in near coastal locations. Some authorities regard this as a separate species, Acacia sophorae.

The bright yellow flowers occur in the axils of the phyllodes as elongated spikes up to 50 mm long. Flowering is mainly in late winter and spring.

Both subspecies of A.longifolia are well known in cultivation and form attractive garden plants which are hardy in a wide range of habitats. Plants are suited to a wide range of soil types provided they are not waterlogged. A position in full sun or light shade is suitable and the species is tolerant of at least moderate frosts.

Unfortunately, both subspecies have become environmental weeds in some areas (eg. western Victoria, South Australia and southern Western Australia). Care should be exercised in planting these species in areas close to bushland.

Propagation is relatively easy by normal seed raising methods following pretreatment by soaking in boiling water or by scarification. Propagation from cuttings may be successful but is not often used.