Acacia baileyana aka Cootamundra Wattle

Taxonomy

Acacia baileyana, also known as Cootamundra wattle, is a shrub or tree in the Fabaceae family. Named after botanist Frederick Manson Bailey, it is native to a small region in southern inland New South Wales. However, it has been widely planted in other parts of Australia and has become naturalized in some areas of Victoria, where it is considered a weed. This evergreen shrub or small tree can reach heights of up to 6m and has fern-like, greyish-purple leaves. In winter and spring, it produces fragrant, small, yellow flowerheads in spherical to cylindrical clusters. There is also a purple cultivar called Acacia baileyana Purpurea, which has deeply divided, purplish-silver leaves and bears fluffy, bright yellow flowers with a mimosa fragrance. This cultivar is best suited for coastal or warm, sheltered sites due to its vulnerability to frost. Purple Cootamundra wattle has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Common names

Cootamundra Wattle, Bailey's Wattle, Bailey's Acacia

How to care for Cootamundra Wattle

Difficulty

Cootamundra Wattle is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Cootamundra Wattle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Cootamundra Wattle requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Cootamundra Wattle will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.


More info:
Wikipedia