Acacia dealbata aka Mimosa

Acacia dealbata is known as mimosa, silver wattle, or blue wattle. This evergreen shrub belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. It comes from southeastern Australia, including Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales. Its range also includes the Australian Capital Territory. Wild plants grow near streams, in gullies, and on alpine ridges. They also occur in dry forests.

In gardens, it reaches about 26–39 feet [8–12 metres] tall. Its spread is about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. Plants take 10–20 years to reach their full size. The bushy form carries fine, divided leaves with a grey-green tint. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. Scented yellow flowerheads form clusters at the ends of shoots. The flowers provide yellow dye, while seed pods yield green dye. The bark contains tannin, which has uses beyond the garden.

Give this shrub full sun and shelter from harsh weather. It needs soil that drains well, with an acid or neutral pH. Loam and sandy soils both suit it. It tolerates drought and soil ranging from dry to moist. The RHS rates it H3 for mild and coastal British sites. It may need winter cover in colder parts of Britain. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10. Under glass, give it full light and peat-free ericaceous or loam-based compost.

Its foliage and scented flowers suit courtyard and informal gardens. It can grow in containers, borders, or beside a wall. A sunny woodland edge is another listed setting. Its broad root system helps hold soil and reduce erosion. PFAF also lists it as a nitrogen-fixing plant. Grow new plants from seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Avoid hard pruning, which this shrub does not tolerate well. Watch for red spider mites, fluted scale, and mealybugs. Honey fungus can also affect it.

PFAF records the cooked flowers as edible, including use in fritters. Gum from the trunk is also edible. It dissolves in water and can replace gum arabic. PFAF describes this gum as low quality for that use. The source lists no known hazards, but gives no specific pet-safety evidence. It also records no known medicinal uses. These food records concern flowers and gum, not every plant part.