41B-2-Acacia-mearnsii-fl-Marilyn-Gray.jpg

Acacia mearnsii

Black Wattle, Garrong

A fast growing open tree with smooth dark bark. Gum often exudes from the bark.

Additional information

  • FamilyFabaceae
  • StoreyMiddle storey
  • Size8-25 m x 6-10 m
  • Plant groupingTrees 3-25 m
  • LeavesOlive-green ferny leaves to 20 cm long. Glands on central leaf stalks both at the junction and between pairs of leaf segments.
  • Flower colourPale yellow
  • Flowering timeSeptember to December
  • FlowersDense bunches of highly perfumed flowerheads. Pods constricted between seeds, 6-15 cm x 5-9 mm.
  • Bird attractingSeeds, insects
  • Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsWell drained soils of open forests and cleared areas from lowlands to mountains. Frost tolerant. Full sun, semi or dappled shade. Borer attack can cause branch breakages in high wind and a shorter life span.
  • Garden useAttractive shade tree. Plant away from target areas.
  • Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
  • Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
  • Aboriginal Use Wood - weapons; bark - twine, medicine; gum - food, drink, glue
Photographer/s: 1, 2, 4, 5 Marilyn Bull ©; 3 Bill Strong, NatureShare ©; 6 Yarra Ranges Council ©

Plant Communities

  • 30 Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • 37 Yarra Gum Grassy Woodland (EVC 175)
  • 25 Long-leaf Box Grassy Dry Forest - Southern Dandenongs (EVC 22)
  • 38 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest – Middle Yarra (EVC 47)
  • 26 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Middle Yarra (EVC 22)
  • 22 Silver-leaf Stringybark Heathy Woodland (EVC 48)
  • 27 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 22)
  • 19 Long-leaf Box Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 42 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest - Christmas Hills (EVC 47)
  • 18 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 45)
  • 40 Snow Gum Grassy Woodland (EVC 175/37)
  • 35 Floodplain Wetland Complex (EVC 172)
  • 28 Red Box Grassy Dry Forest - Christmas Hills (EVC 22)
  • 41 Swamp Paperbark Riparian Thicket (EVC 59)
  • 31 Candlebark Grassy Forest (EVC 128)
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