Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Roger Hammer, Dade Chapter FNPS
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Nomenclature

Common Name:

sweet acacia

Synonym(s):

Acacia farnesiana

Genus species:

Vachellia farnesiana

Family:

Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Plant Specifics

Form:

shrub

Size:

8-20 ft tall by 6-10 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

yellow

Fruit Color:

brown

Phenology:

evergreen

Noted For:

Showy Flowers, Aroma/Showy Fruitsagrance, Thorns, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Good for barrier shrub and as wildlife thicket, also nice as specimen.

Considerations:

Thorns on trunks and branches. Place where flowers and fragrance can be enjoyed, but away from walkways. Can suffer from root rot if too wet.

Availability:

Native Nurseries, Seed

Propagation:

Seeds or cuttings.

Light:

Full Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Usually moist, occasional inundation ---to--- Somewhat long very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

High. Can tolerate significant and ongoing amounts of salt.

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand

Soil pH:

prefers alkaline soil

Suitable to Grow In:

8B,9A,9B,10A,10B,11

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Birds, Mammals

Attracts pollinators and uses ants both for protection against unwanted insects.

The thorny branches make good cover for birds and other wildlife. Fruits are not generally valued. Attracts pollinators.





There are 2 subspecies, V. farnesiana var. farnesiana and V. farnesiana var. pinetorum.  Var. pinetorum is rare.  It is also smaller.





There is a very rare species, Vachellia macranthera , occasionally cultivated.  It occurs rarely in extreme south Florida and has been found as a likely storm-deposited waif in a couple of areas on the west coast of FL.   If you have it, enjoy it.  Culture should be similar to V. farnesiana.

Native Habitats:

Coastal uplands, ruderal, shell middens

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

In southern Europe, this species is extensively planted for the flowers, which are a perfume ingredient.

General Comments:

Although drought-tolerant, this shrub/small tree may benefit from a few deep, thorough soakings during extremely dry periods. When young, it tends to be multi-trunked, so if a tree form is desired, pruning is required. Very briefly deciduous. Although the range extends further north, it is best used in landscaping where temperatures do not drop below 20 degrees F.