Acacia implexa

Common Name:
Lightwood

Description:
Acacia implexa, commonly known as Lightwood, is a fast-growing Australian native tree appreciated for its elegant form, pale bark, and adaptability to a wide range of conditions. Found naturally across south-eastern Australia, including Victoria, this wattle is well-suited to Melbourne’s urban and rural landscapes. It features gracefully arching branches and sickle-shaped green phyllodes (leaf-like structures), which give the tree a soft, weeping appearance. In summer, Lightwood produces creamy-white, ball-shaped flowers that are lightly fragrant and attractive to bees and other pollinators. These are followed by long, twisted seed pods that mature to a dark brown.

Lightwood performs well in full sun and thrives in a variety of well-drained soils, including clay, gravel, and sandy substrates. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and can also withstand light frosts. Often used in revegetation, shelter belts, and as a shade tree in large gardens or public spaces, Acacia implexa offers year-round interest, supports native wildlife, and fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving its surroundings.

Form:
*Tree – Medium

Mature Size:
*Height: 6–12 metres
*Width: 4–6 metres

Aspect:
*Full Sun
*Part Shade

Flowering:
*Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:
*Creamy-white
*Pale yellow

Key Attributes:
*Australian native
*Drought Tolerant
*Frost Tolerant
*Fast Growing
*Bee Attracting
*Bird Attracting
*Suitable for Revegetation
*Suitable for Shade
*Nitrogen Fixing
*Low Maintenance
*Perennial
*Herbaceous when young, woody as mature tree

Toxicity:
*Non-toxic to humans
*Non-toxic to pets

Companion Plants:
*Eucalyptus leucoxylon
*Bursaria spinosa
*Themeda triandra
*Dianella revoluta
*Callistemon sieberi