Acacia verticillata ssp. cephalantha
Prickly Moses
Spreading or erect shrub or small tree. This is the most common subspecies in the Shire.
Additional information
- FamilyFabaceae
- StoreyMiddle storey
- Size2-10 m x 3-5 m
- Plant groupingShrubs 1.5-10 m
- LeavesFine, needle-like very prickly dark green leaves 10-15 mm x less than 0.5 mm in whorls (rings) of 6. Single-veined.
- Flower colourLight yellow
- Flowering timeJune to December
- FlowersFlowerheads in 1-3 axillary cylindrical to egg-shaped spikes to 1 cm long. Narrow compressed pods are barely constricted between seeds, 2-8 cm x 3-5 mm.
- Bird attractingGeneral - food and habitat
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist sandy or clay soils of foothill forests, withstanding periods of waterlogging. Shade.
- Garden useExcellent bird habitat in moist or wet areas. Suits winter wet, summer dry sites. Prune for bushiness.
- Commercially availableIndigenous nursery
- Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire. Locally, the most common variety. Endemic to Victoria.
- Aboriginal Use Fibre - fishing line
- Related speciesSee Acacia verticillata ssp. verticillata for distinguishing features of other subspecies in this group. There are many plants intergrading between these subspecies making definite identification difficult at times.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 3, 4 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Yarra Ranges Council photo library
Plant Communities