Acacia estrophiolata

Plant Type Tree
Evergreen, Broadleaf

Form Vase, Rounded

Climate Zones 9a to 11

Bloom Color Yellow

Bloom Time Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring, Early winter, Mid winter, Late winter

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 20 to 30 feet

Mature Spread 20 to 25 feet

Environment Full sun
Dry to Moist soil
Drought tolerant
Heat tolerant

Soil Alkaline, Neutral, Acidic, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy, Slightly alkaline, Adaptable

Leaf Color Green, Blue

Fall Color No change in color, Not showy

Attributes Not North American native
Fool proof plant
Deer resistant
Attracts birds
Fragrant flowers
Attractive flowers or blooms
Moderately dense crown
Highly flammable

Uses Specimen
Massing
Patio tree
Street tree
Small site
Large scale planting


Native Habitat Unknown

Culture Notes Full and good drainage are essential. Prune to avoid formation of included bark. Trees have phyllodes (not leaves) that look like leaves.

Acacia can be trained as a small tree, in median strips as a street tree where there is not a need for tall-vehicle clearance beneath the crown and used as a freestanding specimen. But its growth rate is extremely slow, making it unpopular in the nursery trade but popular with those who care for it in the landscape. Acacia has its place in any sunny shrub border or as an accent plant. It is well suited for dry climates with little rainfall.

The small stature and low, spreading branching habit makes pruning for vehicular clearance difficult unless it is properly trained from an early age. But the required input of manhours for early training may be offset by the high drought, pest and insect resistance of the tree.

Be sure to clear all turf away from beneath the branches to reduce competition with turf. Train the trunks and branches so they will not touch each other. Eliminate or remove some secondary branches on main branches with included bark or those which are likely to develop it as soon as possible. This reduces the likelihood of one splitting from the tree later when it has grown to become an important part of the landscape. Locate the tree properly, taking into account the ultimate size since the tree looks best if it is not pruned to control size. The tree can enhance any landscape with its delightful spring flush of foliage. It can be the centerpiece of your landscape if properly located.

Prune early in the life of the tree to develop several major branches well-spaced along a central trunk. This will improve the durability of the tree compared to trees with many upright and spreading branches originating from one point on the trunk. Prune to maintain a dominant leader by cutting back competing leaders. Do this every 3 years for the first 15-20 years after planting. Regularly reduce the length of low aggressive branches by making drop crotch cuts if these branches will be in the way later and have to be removed. This will prevent you from having to make large pruning wounds later.

Pests and Diseases Roots can rot in soil that is over-irrigated.