1 named cultivar

‘Purpurea’Cootamundra Wattle 'Purpurea', Purple-leaf Cootamundra Wattle, Purple Cootamundra Wattle

tree

Cootamundra Wattle, Golden Mimosa

Acacia baileyana

The Story

Plant Bio

Acacia baileyana, commonly known as Cootamundra wattle, is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to a highly restricted region of southern New South Wales. It develops an open, spreading crown and retains its bipinnate, fern-like foliage throughout its life cycle rather than producing adult phyllodes.

This species is distinguished by its intense silvery-blue or glaucous foliage and dense, late-winter clusters of bright golden-yellow globular flower heads. While highly adaptable in cultivation, it behaves as an aggressive environmental weed outside its native range, readily hybridising with local wattles.

Uses & Benefits:

Silvery-blue bipinnate foliage and dense clusters of golden-yellow flowers in late winter.

Acts as a fast-growing windbreak and assists in soil nitrogen fixation.

Provides abundant pollen and nectar resources for native birds, bees, and other insects during late winter.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

394 inches

Width

236 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

10 - 20 years

Native To

Australia (Southern New South Wales)

Toxicity

Pollen is highly allergenic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage, as the root system cannot tolerate waterlogged soils.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but to the same depth, ensuring the stem is not buried below the soil line.
Backfill with native soil, firming gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the root system.
Apply a coarse organic mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning into old, leafless wood as this species lacks epicormic buds and will fail to regenerate, severely shortening its lifespan.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Tip-prune immediately after flowering to maintain a dense, compact canopy.
Plant in a position with excellent drainage and maximum sun exposure.
Check local environmental weed lists before planting, as it is highly invasive outside its native NSW range.

Don't

Do not prune back into old, woody stems that lack active foliage.
Do not plant in heavy, clay soils that remain permanently wet or waterlogged.
Do not apply heavy doses of fertiliser, as this species fixes its own nitrogen.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stony ridgesOpen woodland gardens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cootamundra Wattle, Golden Mimosa questions

What zones can Cootamundra Wattle, Golden Mimosa grow in?

Cootamundra Wattle, Golden Mimosa is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Cootamundra Wattle, Golden Mimosa bloom?

Cootamundra Wattle, Golden Mimosa typically blooms in late winter through late winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cootamundra Wattle, Golden Mimosa need full sun?

Cootamundra Wattle, Golden Mimosa does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Cootamundra Wattle, Golden Mimosa drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cootamundra Wattle, Golden Mimosa handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.