tree

Blackwood, Tasmanian Blackwood, Lightwood, Sally Wattle, Black Sally, Mudgerabah

Acacia melanoxylon

The Story

Plant Bio

Acacia melanoxylon, commonly known as blackwood, is a long-lived Australian tree featuring a dense, pyramidal to rounded crown of dark green, leathery phyllodes and deeply fissured dark grey bark. In spring, it produces axillary racemes of pale cream, globular flower heads that contrast quietly against the foliage.

This species is highly valued for its fine-grained, dark timber and its unusual ability among wattles to tolerate deep shade and heavy soils. Unlike many of its relatives, it spreads readily via root suckers when the surrounding soil is disturbed.

Uses & Benefits:

Features deeply fissured dark bark, a dense pyramidal crown, and pale cream spring flowers.

Produces highly valued, fine-grained timber and helps control soil erosion with its extensive root system.

Provides habitat and food for native birds, insects, and nectar-feeding marsupials like sugar gliders.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

590 inches

Width

393 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and deep, moist, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and to the same depth.
Gently remove the plant from its pot, loosen outer roots, and place in the hole.
Backfill with native soil, firm down gently, and water in thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Never prune heavily into old, leafless wood, as this species lacks the epicormic buds required to regenerate and will leave permanent architectural gaps.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods to maintain consistent soil moisture.
Prune lightly to shape young trees or remove damaged wood.
Use low-phosphorus native fertilisers sparingly if required.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood as it will not regenerate.
Do not plant near pipes, pathways, or foundations due to aggressive suckering roots.
Do not over-fertilise, as this can cause rapid, weak growth.

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 shelterbeltShade or specimen tree for large gardensErosion control on slopes and banks

Companion Plants

Eucalyptus species Dicksonia antarctica Lomandra longifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Blackwood, Tasmanian Blackwood, Lightwood, Sally Wattle, Black Sally, Mudgerabah questions

What zones can Blackwood, Tasmanian Blackwood, Lightwood, Sally Wattle, Black Sally, Mudgerabah grow in?

Blackwood, Tasmanian Blackwood, Lightwood, Sally Wattle, Black Sally, Mudgerabah 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 Blackwood, Tasmanian Blackwood, Lightwood, Sally Wattle, Black Sally, Mudgerabah bloom?

Blackwood, Tasmanian Blackwood, Lightwood, Sally Wattle, Black Sally, Mudgerabah typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Blackwood, Tasmanian Blackwood, Lightwood, Sally Wattle, Black Sally, Mudgerabah need full sun?

Blackwood, Tasmanian Blackwood, Lightwood, Sally Wattle, Black Sally, Mudgerabah does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.