The Acacia is a genus of trees and shrubs of the Mimosa family. Although nearly five hundred species of Acacia have been identified, only about a dozen of the three hundred Australian varieties grow well in the southern United States, and of these, only three are flowering. The Bailey Acacia has fernlike silver leaves and small, fragrant flowers arranged in rounded clusters. The Silver Wattle, although very similar to the Bailey Acacia, grows twice as high. The Sydney Golden Wattle is squat and bushy with broad, flat leaves and sharp spined twigs. Named for its bright, yellow flowers, the Golden Wattle is the most and fragrant of the Acacias. Another variety, the Black Acacia or Blackwood, has dark green leaves and unobtrusive blossoms. Besides being a popular tree for ornamental purposes, the Black Acacia is valuable for its dark wood, which is used in making cabinets and furniture, including highly prized pianos.
The Acacia’s unusual custom of blossoming in February has been commonly attributed to its Australian origins. In the Southern Hemisphere, of course, the seasons are reversed, and February, which is wintertime in the United States, is summertime in Australia. Actually, however, the pale, yellow blossoms appear in August in Australia. Whether growing in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, the Acacia will bloom in winter.