shrub

Sticky Wattle, Howitt's Wattle

Acacia howittii

The Story

Plant Bio

Acacia howittii, known as sticky wattle, is a weeping evergreen shrub or small tree endemic to the wet and dry sclerophyll forests of southern Victoria. The species features slender, pendulous branchlets clad in small, lance-shaped phyllodes that secrete a highly viscid, sticky resin.

During spring, pale lemon-yellow globular flower heads emerge in pairs from the leaf axils, covering the dense canopy. The species is highly adaptable to pruning, allowing it to be maintained as a dense formal hedge or screen.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a graceful weeping silhouette, dense evergreen screen, and a soft texture with its sticky, narrow phyllodes.

Highly responsive to shearing, making it an excellent choice for tight hedging, windbreaks, and privacy screens.

Attracts and supports native bees, beneficial insects, and seed-eating or nectar-seeking Australian birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

354 inches

Width

196 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Short to Medium

Native To

Victoria, Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (can cause skin irritation)

Bloom period

Spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil, avoiding areas prone to waterlogging.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth, backfilling with native soil without adding organic amendments.
Water the plant deeply upon installation and maintain regular watering until established, typically over the first summer.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in heavy, constantly wet shade despite its wet-forest origin; adequate sunlight and sharp drainage are essential to prevent fungal issues within the dense interior foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after spring flowering to maintain a dense, compact habit.
Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser if feeding is required in early summer.
Monitor for stem borers and prune out any infested wood immediately.

Don't

Do not over-fertilise with high-nitrogen or high-phosphorus commercial fertilisers, which causes weak, leggy growth.
Do not allow the roots to sit in waterlogged or poorly drained soil.
Avoid heavy handling or pruning without gloves if you have sensitive skin, as the sticky resin can cause contact dermatitis.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgePrivacy ScreenWindbreakSpecimen Plant

Companion Plants

Correa reflexa Westringia fruticosa Grevillea species

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sticky Wattle, Howitt's Wattle questions

What zones can Sticky Wattle, Howitt's Wattle grow in?

Sticky Wattle, Howitt's 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 Sticky Wattle, Howitt's Wattle bloom?

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

Does Sticky Wattle, Howitt's Wattle need full sun?

Sticky Wattle, Howitt's Wattle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Sticky Wattle, Howitt's Wattle drought tolerant?

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