WILLOW ACACIA

Acacia salicina

FAMILY Fabaceae

SYNONYMS

Acacia salicina var. typica

Racosperma salicinum

Acacia salicina var. varians

Acacia varians

ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES

GUBA

AUSTRALIAN WILLOW

BROUGHTON WILLOW WATTLE

WILLOW WATTLE

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See: all Acaciaor Champion

GENERAL INFO

This tree is a small to medium-sized evergreen with a rounded canopy. It features glossy, dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop to its fragrant white blossoms. The tree produces bright orange, easy-to-peel fruits that are sweet and tangy, making them a favorite for snacking. It thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soil, making it a popular choice for home gardens and urban landscapes. Its compact size and attractive foliage also make it suitable for container planting.
Native range: AustraliaHorticultural use: Screen or HedgedEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: The hard wood is used in furniture-making and has historically been used to craft wagon axles.
The bark is used by aboriginal australians as a toxin for fishing and the ashes of the leaves are smoked to achieve psychoactive effects. Citations Page

TREE CHARACTERISTICS

Tree Shape: RoundedFoliage Type: EvergreenMaximum Tree Height: 40 feetCanopy Width: 15 feetGrowth Rate: ~36 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: LinearLeaf color: Bluish Green or Silver or Gray GreenFlowers: ShowyFlower Color: Cream or Orange or YellowFlower Time: Winter or SpringFruit: Very Large Brown LegumeFruiting time: Winter or SpringFruit Value: Wildlife use it, EdibleBark Color: Dark Gray or Light Gray, Furrowed, RoughLitter Type: Dry Fruit, Leaves

SITE CONDITIONS

Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Water Use Rating: LowSunset Climate Zone: 8 - 9, 12 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Slightly Acidic to Very AlkalineSalt Tolerance: Moderate

CONSIDERATIONS

Branch Strength: WeakRoot Damage Potential: LowPotential health issues: Allergy, PoisonousWildlife interactions: Attracts birds, butterflies, beesDisease and Pest susceptibility: Root Rot and Invasive Shot Hole BorerDisease Resistance and Pest Resistance: Armillaria, Root RotUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group Rating 2, Approx. cross sectional area 2.24 sq. in.

External Resources

CITE THIS TREE

"SelecTree. UFEI. "Acacia salicina Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jun 20, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/33 >

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