Plant Finder

Other Names:  Bower Wattle, syn. Acacia subporosa var. linearis

Description:

A fast growing, small graceful tree with a spreading, weeping habit; low water requirements, but will appreciate some summer irrigation; red tinged new growth matures to a beautiful emerald green; compatible to various soils

Ornamental Features

River Wattle has attractive dark green evergreen foliage which emerges brick red in spring on a tree with a weeping habit of growth. The small spiny narrow leaves are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter. It is draped in stunning racemes of buttery yellow ball-shaped flowers at the ends of the branches from late winter to early spring.

Landscape Attributes

River Wattle is a multi-stemmed evergreen tree with a rounded form and gracefully weeping branches. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spiny

River Wattle is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

River Wattle will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America.