1 named cultivar

‘Purpurea’Cootamundra Wattle

tree

Cootamundra Wattle

Acacia baileyana

The Story

Plant Bio

Acacia baileyana, the Cootamundra wattle, is a fast-growing evergreen tree or large shrub reaching twenty to thirty feet in height, characterized by its weeping branches and fine, feathery blue-gray foliage. In late winter and early spring, copious bright yellow pom-pom flower heads cover the branches, often completely obscuring the leaves.

This species retains its delicate, fern-like bipinnate leaves throughout its lifespan, providing a soft, silvery-blue texture in the landscape. Cultivars such as 'Purpurea' offer a distinct color contrast, producing lavender-purple new growth that matures to the typical glaucous gray.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking silvery-blue foliage year-round and a dense display of bright yellow flowers in late winter.

Functions as a fast-growing windbreak or screen in dry, Mediterranean-type climates.

Provides cover and nesting sites for birds, while attracting generalist pollinating insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

354"

Width

236"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

10-30 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with highly permeable, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the spring bloom finishes; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents new shoots and causes permanent branch dieback.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune immediately after flowering to maintain a compact shape.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Protect young trees from strong winds to prevent structural damage.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood.
Do not overwater once the root system is established.
Do not apply heavy nitrogen or high-phosphorus fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeScreeningWindbreakErosion Control

Companion Plants

Ceanothus Arctostaphylos Salvia Eschscholzia californica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cootamundra Wattle questions

What zones can Cootamundra Wattle grow in?

Cootamundra Wattle 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.

Is Cootamundra Wattle deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Cootamundra Wattle, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Cootamundra Wattle bloom?

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

Does Cootamundra Wattle need full sun?

Cootamundra Wattle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Cootamundra Wattle drought tolerant?

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