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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Mimosaceae (~Fabales) |
| Origin: Australia (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Yellow |
| Bloomtime: Winter/Spring |
| Height: 8-12 feet |
| Width: 8-12 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Acacia merinthophora (Zigzag Wattle) - An open shrub from Western Australia, reaching 9 to 12 feet tall with a weeping habit . The phyllodes are long (up to 8 inches), curved , narrow and are gray-green in color. The stems of the branches change direction at the points where the phyllodes occur producing a zigzag shape. The branches are very attractive in dried arrangements. Short, rod-shaped flower clusters (about 1-2 inches long) are produced in the phyllode axils in early winter to early spring. They are bright yellow in color and are followed by slender, curved seed pods. It is best grown in a well-drained, sunny position and, once established, will tolerate extended dry periods. Cold hardy to 25-30° F, possibly lower once established. Though it come from a drier climate, Acacia merinthophora has been successfully cultivated in more moist and humid areas of eastern Australia where many other western species fail. It makes an interesting specimen plant or even a light screen and can be pruned to make it denser. Native to inland central and southern Western Australia where is grows on sandplains, hillsides, low-lying areas and granite outcrops. The name Acacia comes either from the Greek word 'akazo' meaning "to sharpen" or from the Egyptian word 'akakia', a name given to the Egyptian Thorn, Acacia arabica. The specific epithet "merinthophora" is a combination of the Greeks words 'phora' (from the root word pherein) which means to "carry" and the 'merintho' for "sting" which refers to this plant having (or carrying) long stinger-like phyllodes. We first got this plant from Jo O'Connell at Australian Native Plants in 2004 and have grown it at San Marcos Growers since 2006.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We also try to incorporate comments received from others and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Acacia merinthophora.
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