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prairie wattle
Scientific Name: Acacia angustissima var. texensis
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Acacia angustissima var. texensis
Also known as Texas prairie acacia, Texas fern acacia, or Prairie wattle, Acacia angustissima var. texensis is a captivating plant with a variety of uses and interesting characteristics.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is a shrub that may have small parts.
Considerations for Children
- This plant is a shrub that may have small parts.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Acacia angustissima var. texensis (Torr. & A. Gray) Isely
- Synonyms:
- Acacia texensis Torr. & A. Gray
- Acacia angustissima (Mill.) Kuntze var. texensis (Torr. & A. Gray) Isely
- Acacia angustissima (Mill.) Kuntze var. cuspidata (Schltdl.) L.D. Benson p.p.
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Common Names
- Texas prairie acacia
- Texas fern acacia
- Prairie wattle
- Prairie acacia
- Whiteball acacia
- Chisos prairie acacia
- Shreve’s prairie acacia
- Fern Acacia
Morphological Characteristics
- A thornless shrub.
- Typically grows to be 1-4 ft. tall, but can reach 6-12 ft. or even 12-36 ft.
- Rounded sub-shrub with feathery, deciduous foliage.
Distribution and Habitat
- Found in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Ecological Role
- Used in straw wattles for sediment control during construction.
Other Information
- The species name angustissima means “most narrow,” referring to the leaflets.
- Light Requirements: Sun, Part Shade, Shade
- Water Use: Low, Medium
Further Resources
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
- Dave's Garden