shrub

Knife-leaf Wattle, Dog-tooth Wattle, Half-moon Wattle, Golden Glow Wattle

Acacia cultriformis

The Story

Plant Bio

Acacia cultriformis, commonly known as knife-leaf wattle, is an erect, dense, multi-stemmed Australian shrub native to New South Wales and Queensland. The species populates woodland, heath, and rocky hillsides, developing a spreading habit that reaches up to four metres in height.

The foliage consists of rigid, triangular, blue-grey phyllodes with sharp, mucronate tips that can present a physical hazard near pathways. In spring, the branches carry axillary racemes of bright yellow, globular flower heads that attract native bees and seed-eating parrots.

Uses & Benefits:

Distinctive blue-grey, triangular foliage and bright yellow spring flower heads provide strong structural and colour contrast.

Functions as an effective windbreak, soil binder on rocky slopes, or low-maintenance barrier plant due to its prickly foliage.

Provides nectar for native bees and beneficial wasps, while the seed pods serve as a food source for native parrots.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

157 inches

Width

118 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage, such as a rocky slope or sandy loam bed.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits at its original soil level.
Backfill with native soil, firm down gently, and water in thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after spring flowering, avoiding any cuts into old, leafless wood which lacks dormant buds and will fail to reshoot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first summer until the root system is fully established.
Prune lightly every year immediately after flowering to maintain a dense, compact habit.
Use low-phosphorus fertilisers formulated specifically for Australian native plants.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils where water pools.
Do not cut back hard into bare, brown wood as the plant cannot regenerate from old timber.
Do not apply high-phosphorus artificial fertilisers which damage the root system.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Windbreak or informal screenErosion control on dry, rocky embankmentsSpecimen planting in native or water-wise gardens

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Correa reflexa Anigozanthos flavidus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Knife-leaf Wattle, Dog-tooth Wattle, Half-moon Wattle, Golden Glow Wattle questions

What zones can Knife-leaf Wattle, Dog-tooth Wattle, Half-moon Wattle, Golden Glow Wattle grow in?

Knife-leaf Wattle, Dog-tooth Wattle, Half-moon Wattle, Golden Glow Wattle is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Knife-leaf Wattle, Dog-tooth Wattle, Half-moon Wattle, Golden Glow Wattle bloom?

Knife-leaf Wattle, Dog-tooth Wattle, Half-moon Wattle, Golden Glow Wattle typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Knife-leaf Wattle, Dog-tooth Wattle, Half-moon Wattle, Golden Glow Wattle need full sun?

Knife-leaf Wattle, Dog-tooth Wattle, Half-moon Wattle, Golden Glow Wattle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Knife-leaf Wattle, Dog-tooth Wattle, Half-moon Wattle, Golden Glow Wattle drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Knife-leaf Wattle, Dog-tooth Wattle, Half-moon Wattle, Golden Glow Wattle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.