Acacia dealbata

Acacia dealbata_silver wattle_JM DiTomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Synonyms: Acacia decurrens var. dealbata

Common names: silver wattle

Acacia dealbata (silver wattle) is a tree (family Fabaceae) found in the coastal ranges, San Francisco Bay area, and south coast of California. It favors disturbed places in coastal prairies, riparian areas and coniferous forests. It is native to Australia. Silver wattle is often confused with green wattle (Acacia decurrens), but is distinguishable by the small, silvery hairs that grow on its twigs. It spreads via rhizomes and seeds, and easily resprouts after being cut. Acacia dealbata changes soil chemistry by fixing nitrogen, and the plants’ fallen leaves may have allelopathic effects that prevent the growth of native understory plants. Like many Acacias, silver wattle is commonly planted as an ornamental.
View the Jepson Herbarium video to help identify Acacia species.

Cal-IPC Rating: Moderate?

CDFA Rating: None?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Weed Management Notes

No Weed RIC Management Notes are available for this species. Check for information on other species in the genus on the Weed RIC site.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

There are no newsletter articles associated with this species yet.

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Acacia dealbata Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Acacia dealbata_flowers_copyright_2008_NealKramer
    Acacia dealbata (silver wattle) flowers. Photo: &#169 2008 Neal Kramer
    Acacia dealbata_leaf_copyright_2014_NealKramer
    Acacia dealbata (silver wattle) leaf. Photo: &#169 2014 Neal Kramer
    Acacia dealbata_seed pods_copyright_2014_NealKramer
    Acacia dealbata (silver wattle) seed pods. Photo: &#169 2014 Neal Kramer
    Acacia dealbata_stem and leaf(underside)_copyright_2010_NealKramer
    Acacia dealbata (silver wattle) stem and leaf (underside). Photo: &#169 2010 Neal Kramer