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Sweet Acacia

Acacia farnesiana

Out of stock

5 gallon; 15 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Sonoran Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full Sun; Reflected Heat

15-20’x15-20’

Slow

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Golden Yellow

Late Fall - Spring

To shape and thin

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Rabbit resistant:

Yes

Prized for its beautifully fragrant flowers, sweet acacia is a 15-20 ft., multi-trunked tree or shrub with a naturally spreading vaselike shape. Branches are covered in sharp thorns with feathery soft green leaves. Clusters of small bright golden yellow puff-like flowers appear in late Fall through early Spring. Flowers give way to fruit, a reddish brown woody pod. In the legume family, it is a nitrogen fixer. Adapts well to many soil types. One of the common names, Huisache, is derived from Nahuatl and means many thorns. In southern Europe, this species is extensively planted for the flowers, which are a perfume ingredient. Native from southern California to southern Florida into Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.