tree

Hickory Wattle

The Story

Plant Bio

Acacia implexa, known as hickory wattle, is an upright, evergreen tree reaching up to forty feet in height with a spreading, open canopy. The foliage consists of long, sickle-shaped green phyllodes with prominent parallel veins and a distinct gland near the base.

This species produces pale yellow to cream globular flower heads arranged in small clusters from late summer into fall. It is distinguished from other dry-adapted wattles by its superior tolerance for occasional heavy soil moisture and its aggressive root-suckering habit when the ground is disturbed.

Uses & Benefits:

Features sickle-shaped green phyllodes and pale yellow globular flowers that provide late-season interest.

Serves as an effective windbreak or soil stabilizer on sloped sites due to its deep, suckering root system.

Provides canopy cover and pollen for generalist insect pollinators in mild-climate gardens.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

472"

Width

236"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

30-50 years

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late summer – Fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with well-drained sandy loam, clay-loam, or gravelly soil.
Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, then establish a deep, infrequent watering schedule.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid digging or tilling the soil around the root zone, as physical damage triggers abundant root suckers that require persistent physical removal.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during extended dry periods until the root system is fully established.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to shape the canopy and remove spent flower clusters.
Selectively prune out root suckers at their point of origin if they emerge from damaged roots.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as the plant lacks the capacity to regenerate from bare stems.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can damage the sensitive root systems of many Australian imports.
Do not overwater or plant in poorly drained depressions where standing water persists.

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 TreeWindbreakErosion ControlScreening

Companion Plants

Eucalyptus ficifolia Anigozanthos flavidus Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hickory Wattle questions

What zones can Hickory Wattle grow in?

Hickory 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.

When does Hickory Wattle bloom?

Hickory Wattle typically blooms in late summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hickory Wattle need full sun?

Hickory Wattle does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Hickory Wattle drought tolerant?

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