Acacia mearnsii

Common Name:
Black Wattle

Description:
Acacia mearnsii, commonly known as Black Wattle, is a fast-growing, medium-sized Australian native tree recognised for its feathery, bright green foliage and masses of pale yellow, ball-shaped flowers. Flowering from late winter through spring, it creates a spectacular seasonal display and provides a valuable food source for pollinators. Its finely divided, fern-like leaves create a soft texture, while the dark bark gives contrast — particularly striking when the tree is in full bloom. Native to south-eastern Australia, including Victoria, Black Wattle grows quickly and is often used for revegetation, erosion control, and as a pioneer species in disturbed sites.

Suited to Melbourne’s climate, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils but will tolerate poor, dry, or compacted conditions. It fixes nitrogen in the soil and helps improve degraded land, making it highly useful in bushland restoration. While useful in many settings, it's important to note that Acacia mearnsii can become weedy outside of its native range, including in some parts of Victoria, so it should be planted responsibly in managed landscapes.

Form:
*Tree – Medium
*Tree – Large

Mature Size:
*Height: 6–12 metres (can reach up to 15 m in ideal conditions)
*Width: 4–6 metres

Aspect:
*Full Sun
*Part Shade

Flowering:
*Flowers in Late Winter
*Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:
*Pale yellow
*Cream

Key Attributes:
*Australian native
*Fast Growing
*Drought Tolerant
*Frost Tolerant
*Bee Attracting
*Bird Attracting
*Nitrogen Fixing
*Suitable for Revegetation
*Suitable for Erosion Control
*Low Maintenance
*Seasonal Flower Display
*Useful Pioneer Species

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

Companion Plants:
*Eucalyptus viminalis
*Dodonaea viscosa
*Leptospermum continentale
*Lomandra longifolia
*Bursaria spinosa