Bailey’s wattle

Bailey’s wattle

Acacia baileyana

Common Name:

Bailey’s wattle

Scientific Name:

Acacia baileyana


Alternative common names:

Bailey-se-wattel, Cootamundra wattle, golden mimosa

Description:

A small evergreen tree, growing 3-6m in height with branchlets covered in greyish or silvery-blue foliage. Leaves are 20-50mm long and are arranged around branchlets spirally.
Flowers which bloom in July to September, are bright yellow, globular shaped with showy sprays.  Fruits are greyish-brown pods, approximately 100mm in length.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

South-east Australia

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Existing legislation: CARA 2002 - Category 3 NEMBA - Category 3

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Mpumalanga and Gauteng

How does it spread?

Bailey's wattle is spread via the dispersal of seeds.

Why is it a problem?

Bailey's wattle competes with indigenous species in forested area and along river banks, and has the potential to replace these species.

What does it look like?

General description: A small evergreen tree, growing 3-6m in height with branchlets covered in greyish or silvery-blue foliage.
Leaves: Small greyish or silvery-blue leaves, which are spirally arranged around branches.
Flowers: From July to September, bright yellow globular flower heads in showy sprays.
Fruit/seeds: Greyish-brown pods.

Does the plant have any uses?

Cultivated for ornamental use, shade and a honey source.

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