shrub

Sticky Wattle

Acacia howittii

The Story

Plant Bio

Acacia howittii, the sticky wattle, is an evergreen large shrub or small tree native to southeastern Australia, characterized by a dense, weeping habit and slender, pendulous branchlets. The narrow, dark green phyllodes are sticky to the touch and release an intense aromatic scent when bruised or pruned.

In spring, the branches are covered in pale lemon-yellow, spherical flower heads borne in the leaf axils. The plant exhibits high tolerance to coastal winds and moderate drought once established, making it highly effective as a dense screen or formal hedge.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a graceful weeping habit, aromatic sticky foliage, and a profusion of pale yellow spherical flowers in spring.

Functions as an excellent windbreak, privacy screen, or formal sheared hedge due to its dense growth and high pruning tolerance.

Provides pollen and nectar for native bees and other beneficial insect pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

354"

Width

197"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Southeastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (resin may cause mild skin irritation)

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to dappled shade with excellent drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent collar rot.
Backfill with native soil without adding heavy organic amendments, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main trunk to avoid moisture retention against the bark.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after flowering in spring, shearing the outer foliage to maintain density, but never cut back into old, leafless wood which lacks active buds to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually right after spring flowering to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Plant on a slight mound or slope if your soil contains heavy clay to ensure rapid drainage.
Water deeply but infrequently during the first summer to establish a deep root system.

Don't

Do not plant in low-lying areas or heavy clay where water pools after rain.
Do not prune deeply into old, bare wood that lacks green foliage or visible buds.
Do not over-fertilize, especially with high-phosphorus formulas; use balanced or low-phosphorus native fertilizers sparingly.

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

Formal or informal hedgeWindbreak or coastal screenSpecimen plant in Mediterranean gardens

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Grevillea Salvia apiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sticky Wattle questions

What zones can Sticky Wattle grow in?

Sticky 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 Sticky Wattle deer resistant?

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

When does Sticky Wattle bloom?

Sticky 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 Sticky Wattle need full sun?

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

Is Sticky Wattle drought tolerant?

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