California-friendly: Desert Sweet Acacia

By Martina Trotta
Conservation Analyst, Santa Margarita Water District

More than a thousand different species of acacia grow across the warm parts of Australia, Africa, Asia and the Americas. In southern California there are dozens of acacia species that grow well, including the desert sweet acacia, which is a low-water use shrub or tree great for a California-friendly garden.

When desert sweet acacia blooms in the spring – or in the winter if it stays warm enough – the branches are completely covered in cotton-ball shaped orange-yellow blossoms that give off a sweet fragrance. The desert sweet can work wonders for a patio area where it will provide light shade, bright color and a pleasant scent and attract birds. It’s probably best, however, to keep acacia away from eating areas or swimming pools, as the tree frequently drops blossoms, leaves or its dark brown seed pods.

Acacia can be grown as a tree or shrub growing to 30 feet and almost as wide. A single- or multiple-trunk tree structure can be achieved by early and regular pruning, cutting back low branches all the way to the trunk. As a shrub, its many thorny branches make it a good plant for natural barriers. For the same reason, make sure to keep it pruned away from walkways to prevent anyone being scratched by the thorns.

Desert sweet acacia prefers full sun and is tolerant of different types of soil, but will do best in ground with good drainage. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, but benefits from a deep watering once or twice a month.

Acacia smallii is also known as A. minuta and sometimes is labeled A. farnesiana for sale in nurseries. A. smallii and A. farnesiana, are very similar, but the former is more hardy and the latter is more sensitive to cold.

Free Gardening Workshop
Want to learn about more plants that are perfect for your California-friendly garden? Join the Santa Margarita Water District next Saturday, September 22, for a free Home Gardeners Workshop. The class introduces 25 common and useful drought-tolerant plants that will help you transform you water-loving garden or yard into a California-friendly, water-conserving, money-saving oasis.

The class will be held at the District headquarters in Las Flores from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Free lunch is included and space is limited, so call 949/459-6645 or e-mail martinat@smwd.com to register now.

Desert Sweet Acacia
Acacia smallii (A. minuta)
Season: Winter, spring
Size: Up to 30 feet tall
Color: Yellow blossoms
Water: Low
Sun: Full

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