About

Acacia saligna is classified as an invasive, non-native species under Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act, making it illegal to sell. Refer to cultivation notes for additional information. This species is a rapidly growing shrub or small evergreen tree, reaching heights between 2 and 8 meters, often exhibiting a weeping growth habit. It features elongated, narrow blue-green leaf-like structures that can extend up to 25 centimeters and may exhibit a slight curve. In the spring, it produces small, round yellow flowers, which, if pollinated, give way to brown, papery seed pods. It has a good tolerance for salt-laden winds.

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
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs, Trees
Habit
Clump forming, Spreading branched, Pendulous weeping, Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
4-8 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years

Care notes

Cultivation
This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive non-native species. Across the EU, UK and NI it is an offence to plant or cause to grow in the wild plants listed on Schedule 9 of this order. These plants should not be planted or caused to grow in the wild and in addition are banned from sale. Gardeners possessing them should undertake measures to control them. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information
Propagation
Please see cultivation notes
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, fluted scale and mealybugs
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free