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Acacia merinthophora (Zigzag Wattle) - An open evergreen shrub from Western Australia, reaching 9 to 12 feet tall with a weeping habit. The leaves (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. 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. It branches are also very attractive in dried arrangements.
Zigag Wattle is 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.
The information about Acacia merinthophora that is displayed on this web page is based on research conducted in our nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We will also include observations made about this plant as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens that we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We also incorporate comments that we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they share cultural information that aids others growing this plant.
Please note that after 46 years in business, San Marcos Growers will be discontinuing nursery operations by the end of 2025 and the property will be developed for affordable housing.
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