Golden Wattle

Acacia pycnantha Benth.

a-KA-sha  pike-NAN-tha

Mimosaceae (Legumes)

Key to Acacia Mill. 

Explanation of name: Acacia comes from the Greek akis which means a sharp point. Pycnantha come from the Greek pyknos meaning dense and anthos meaning flower. (STE)

Natural range: Australia (KOD)

Recognition: a glabrous small tree.  Phyllodes (see other notes) are alternate, elliptic to oblanceolate, glabrous, 3"-8" long.  Flowers are yellow, stalked, oblongoid heads, in groups of 40-80, < 1/4" long.  Fruit is a linear legume, 2"-5" long (KOD, BA2)

Landscape uses: Specimen tree, flowering tree (PBCC)

Notes: Mature leaves are expanded leaf-like petioles lacking a true leaf blade and are called phyllodes. (KOD)