About

Acacia longifolia is a perennial, rapidly growing small tree or shrub. Its foliage consists of long, narrow structures that can reach up to 20 cm in length and display a gentle curve. The plant produces numerous clusters of bright yellow flowers that emerge along the main stem. When seed pods form, they take on a curly, brown appearance, resembling ribbon-like strands.

About the genus

Acacia comprises a variety of forms including deciduous or evergreen trees, shrubs, and climbing plants. The leaves can be either alternate and pinnately compound or consist of simple, modified leaf-like structures known as phyllodes. These plants produce small flowers, which may be fragrant, arranged in short spikes, racemes, or spherical clusters.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Trees, Shrubs
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Mediterranean climate plants

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow outdoors in neutral to acid well-drained soil in sheltered location with full sun. This is one of the hardiest Acacias and has become invasive in warmer countries where it has become introduced. For more advice, see shrub cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 8
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings or seed. For advice see propagatiom from seed (tree/shrub
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, fluted scale and mealybugs
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus