Acacia podalyriifolia

pearl acacia
Fast-growing small tree with smooth bark, silver leaves, fragrant bright yellow flowers in winter-spring. Best with zero summer water once established.
Acacia podalyriifoliaAcacia podalyriifolia
height 20–25ft
width 15–20ft
tolerates Drought, Pots
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 For the first three years after it’s planted, this acacia should be watered deeply but infrequently (when the top three inches of soil or so have dried). After that, it won’t need supplemental water except in exceptionally hot and dry environments. In fact, it is best to water infrequently during summer months once established as excessive summer water is detrimental to this tree. If the ground is exceptionally well drained this tree is more tolerant of summer water.

Use drippers, emitters or a slow stream of water so that it doesn’t run off; allow the water to trickle all the way down through the deepest layers of soil.

A great trick for watering street trees is to drill a 1/8-inch hole on the bottom edge of a 5-gallon bucket, then set the bucket with the hole aligned next to the tree and fill the bucket with water. Fill once for a 1-5 gallon plant, fill twice for a 7-15 gallon plant, three times for 25g or larger plants.

Though these trees are drought tolerant, never let them go bone dry in a pot.
hardy
to		 24F
exposure Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose, Low Needs
origin SE Australia
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 14–24, H2

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Acacia are FAST growers - this plant will reach full size in under five years making it a great choice for privacy needs in your garden. Acacia are also relatively short lived, typically growing for twenty to thirty years. This combination can be used to your advantage by planting longer lived slower growing plants near your acacia
Acacia do well in pots, which effectively “dwarf” them.
In some shade, acacia look softer and the colors come out more. They also tend to get more upright as they reach for the sun. This makes them a great choice for tight urban gardening.
This tree is forgiving of pruning. Choose to prune off lower branches for a standard tree form, or tip prune to create a dense shrub or screen. Typically wide acacia can be pruned into a narrower form.

Special Interest

Let’s dispel some rumors. All acacia are not invasive. Some can be quite problematic, but this one is not. Also, acacia allergies are not common. Many people who believe they are allergic to acacia are actually allergic to conifers, which produce pollen at the same time of year, but since they don’t have flowers are less likely to be connected to the allergy.