|
|
[2nd Image]
|
 |
|
|
| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Mimosaceae (~Fabales) |
| Origin: Australia (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Yellow |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Summer |
| Height: 8-12 feet |
| Width: 6-8 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
|
|
|
|
Acacia denticulosa (Sandpaper Wattle) An upright open shrub to 6 to 12 feet tall that is narrower than it is tall with dark green leaves (phyllodes) that are wavy, lightly toothed and have a texture like sandpaper. The flowers that apprear from spring into summer are golden yellow and held on 1 to 3 inch long cylindrical spikes that arise from the leaf axils. Plant in full sun in a fairly well drained soil (performs best in a sandy soil) and irrigate infrequently - this is a drought tolerant plant and it is hardy down to around 20° F. This unusual plant is fast growing, will bloom in its first year from seed and is noted to respond well to an annual tip prunning to keep it denser. Sandpaper Wattle comes from south western Western Australia where it is found on very dry granite hills and outcrops with shallow sandy soils. 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 (now Vachellia nilotica). The specific epithet comes from the Latin word "denti" meaning "tooth" in reference to the denticulate margins of the phyllodes. The common name is derived from the scabrous surface of these phyllodes, which feel like sandpaper to the touch. Our thanks go out to Troy McGregor at Waltzing Matilija Nursery for growing the seedlings of our first crop of this interesting plant and to Jo O'Connell at Australian Native Nursery for the images of it on this page.
The information presented on this page is based on research that we have conducted about this plant in our library and from reliable online sources. We also consider observations we have made of it growing in the nursery's garden and in other gardens we have visited, as well how it performs in our nursery crops out in the field. We will incorporate comments that we receive from others as well and welcome getting feedback from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if they have knowledge of cultural information that would aid others in growing Acacia denticulosa. |
| |
|
|
|
