Acacia baileyana - Cootamundra Wattle

Acacia baileyana is the straight species Cootamundra Wattle, the one with soft silver blue-green feathery foliage rather than the purple new growth of 'Purpurea'. The fine bipinnate leaflets give the whole tree a light, almost misty texture that holds all year. Through late winter and early spring it covers itself in masses of bright golden ball flowers, often so densely that the foliage disappears behind them. It is one of the earliest and heaviest flowering wattles, and it lands at a point in the year when very little else is in bloom. It grows fast, 1 to 2 metres a year, to a mature 6 to 8 metres tall and 3 to 5 metres wide. That is taller than 'Purpurea', so allow more room. Full sun, tolerant of light to moderate frost, drought and poor soils once established, and adaptable across sandy, loam and clay-loam ground. Like most fast wattles it is short-lived at around 15 to 20 years, so it is best used where quick impact matters more than longevity, or as a fast screen while slower long-term trees establish behind it. Frequently Asked Questions About Acacia baileyana What is the difference between Acacia baileyana and 'Purpurea'?Foliage colour and size. The straight species has silver blue-green feathery foliage all year. 'Purpurea' is a selection of the same species whose new growth flushes deep purple before hardening to silver-grey. The species also grows larger, to 6 to 8 metres against 4 to 6 metres for 'Purpurea'. Flowers are identical golden yellow on both. How big does it grow?6 to 8 metres tall and 3 to 5 metres wide at maturity, with a spreading canopy. It reaches usable size quickly, growing 1 to 2 metres a year. When does it flower?Late winter into early spring, typically July through September depending on your district. The golden ball flowers open in such quantity that they often hide the foliage completely. How long does it live?Around 15 to 20 years, which is normal for a fast-growing wattle. Plan for replacement, or use it as a quick screen while slower long-term trees grow up behind it. Does it self-seed, and where should I avoid planting it?Yes, it sets hard, long-lived seed that birds and ants move around, and outside its natural range on the NSW western slopes it has naturalised in parts of Victoria, NSW, south-east Queensland, south-west WA and the Adelaide region. It is not a Weed of National Significance and is only formally declared in the ACT. In a suburban or urban garden it is not a problem. The practical rule is simple: do not plant it on a property that backs onto remnant bushland, heathland or grassy woodland, and do not dump prunings or seed-bearing waste in a reserve. Is it frost tolerant?It handles light to moderate frost once established. Young plants are more vulnerable through their first winter in colder inland districts, so mulch the root zone and give them shelter from the worst wind. How far apart should I plant it for a screen?2 to 3 metres apart for an informal screen. As individual feature trees, allow 4 metres so each canopy can develop fully at its mature 3 to 5 metre width. How do I care for it?Very little is needed. Water deeply through the first 12 months, then only in extended dry spells. Tip prune after flowering to keep the canopy dense and to reduce seed set. Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser, as wattles resent high-phosphorus blends. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood.