Acacia baileyana is a fast-growing small tree or large shrub native to a restricted area around Cootamundra in southern New South Wales. In late winter and early spring it produces masses of small, bright yellow spherical flower heads arranged in long racemes against blue-grey bipinnate foliage. It is widely planted as an ornamental in warm-temperate and Mediterranean-climate gardens for this concentrated late-winter display, and cut branches are valued commercially by florists.
Outside its native range it has naturalized aggressively across southern Australia and is classified as an environmental weed in several Australian states. In gardens it establishes quickly but is relatively short-lived, typically 10–20 years. Full sun and sharp drainage are essential; heavy or waterlogged soils cause rapid decline. As a legume, its roots fix atmospheric nitrogen, gradually improving poor soils. The purple-foliaged cultivar 'Purpurea' is widely available and behaves identically in the garden. Mulching the root zone conserves moisture and buffers against the brief frosts possible at the lower end of its range.
The seeds are edible and used as wattleseed in Australian bush-tucker cooking, roasted and ground into flour for baking, ice cream, and confectionery. The flowers can be eaten raw or used in fritters.
These dates are for Zone 6b. Enter your ZIP to time every job to your own frost dates.
- buy · Feb 13 - Feb 27Buy a young tree - about two months before planting out
- cut · Apr 17 - May 8Lightly shape and remove dead or crossing branches straight after flowering; avoid hard cuts into old wood
- plant · Apr 24 - May 22Plant nursery stock in full sun and fast-draining soil, sheltered from cold wind, and water through the first summer only
- watch · May 22 - Jul 17Pull self-sown seedlings around the tree before they root deeply
Problems & troubleshooting
Common problems
Phytophthora Root Rot
Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and dark, decayed roots and crown tissue. Vines may collapse during hot weather.
Plant in well-draining soil and avoid waterlogging. Remove and destroy affected vines. Improve drainage with raised beds or amended soil and avoid overwatering.
Fungal leaf spot
Brown or purplish spots on the leaves, often ringed with a yellow halo, that spread and merge in warm, humid, or wet weather; heavily spotted leaves yellow and drop early.
Pick off spotted leaves and clear fallen debris to remove overwintering spores. Improve air circulation by thinning, and water at the base so foliage dries quickly. If it persists, apply a copper- or sulfur-based fungicide at the first sign.
Armillaria Root Rot
Thinning, yellowing canopy with progressive dieback; white, fan-shaped mycelial mats visible beneath bark at or just below the soil line; honey-colored mushroom clusters appearing at the trunk base or on surface roots in autumn.
No chemical cure exists. Improve drainage and avoid any injury to roots or trunk. Remove severely infected trees along with as much root material as possible. Do not replant susceptible species in the same spot.