Acacia longifolia aka Golden Rods

Acacia longifolia, or Sydney golden wattle, belongs to the pea family. Other names include mimosa and sallow wattle. It comes from eastern and southern Australia, including Tasmania. Its range includes Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. It grows on sandy ground, often near the coast. This evergreen plant forms a shrub or small tree.

In gardens, it reaches 13–26 feet (4–8 m) tall. Its spread is about 8–13 feet (2.5–4 m). Chicago Botanic Garden reports heights of 30 feet (9.1 m). It may reach that height within five to six years. RHS gives a maturity period of 10–20 years. Its branches can spread, though some plants have an upright form. The dark gray bark has fine cracks. Narrow, green phyllodes serve as leaves. These flattened leaf stalks curve slightly and reach eight inches long.

Bright yellow flowers form dense, tube-shaped spikes along the stems. Each spike measures about three-quarters to two inches long. They grow alone or in pairs where phyllodes meet stems. Chicago Botanic Garden lists flowering from January through April. Plants For A Future places bloom in winter and early spring. Brown seed pods may follow the flowers. They curl into long, narrow strips. The flowers draw butterflies, adding wildlife interest to the garden.

Grow it in full sun with shelter from harsh exposure. RHS recommends well-drained sand or loam with acid or neutral soil. It tolerates drought and suits dry to moist ground. RHS rates its UK hardiness as H5. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 9–11. Garden uses include hedges, screens, borders and stand-alone trees. Its roots help hold sandy soil and steep banks. Growers can raise plants from seed or semi-ripe cuttings. Possible pests include red spider mites, fluted scale and mealybugs. Honey fungus can also affect it. It can invade warm regions outside its native range. It also becomes a weed beside roads and creeks in Australia.

People eat cooked flowers, roasted seeds and seed pods. The small seeds can be awkward to gather. Flowers yield yellow dye, while pods provide green dye. The wood is pale and tough. Bark has some use in tanning sheepskins. Plants For A Future lists no known medicinal use or hazards. That report does not establish safety for pets or every plant part.