SafePlants

Acacia howittii: Sticky Wattle

Acacia howittii, commonly known as sticky wattle or Howitt's wattle, is a charming and adaptable tree native to Australia.

Considerations for Pets

• The foliage is noted as being slightly sticky.

Considerations for Children

• The foliage is noted as being slightly sticky.
• The phyllodes (leaves) have spiked tips.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Acacia howittii F. Muell.
• Common Names: Sticky Wattle, Howitt's Wattle, Howitts Wattle
• Family: Mimosaceae (mentioned in relation to flowering plants) / Fabaceae (Legume, pea, bean family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Endemic to Victoria, Australia.
• Regarded as an environmental weed in Tasmania and parts of Victoria outside its native range.
• Prefers moist conditions but is adaptable to most conditions.

Ecological Role

• Considered an environmental weed in certain areas outside its native range, indicating its potential to be invasive.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Grows as a dense shrub or small tree, typically reaching 5-8 meters in height, with a spread of around 3 meters.
• Exhibits an erect or spreading habit.
• Has a graceful weeping habit with pendulous branches.
• Foliage consists of dark green phyllodes (modified leaf stalks) that are 1-2 cm long.
• Features fragrant, pale yellow ball flowers in spring.
• Bark can be smooth, grey, or grey-brown.
• Branchlets can be angled or flattened, resinous, and hairy.

Quirky Facts

• The stickiness of the phyllodes is particularly noticeable when the tree is young.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Acacia howittii.
• Dave's Garden is a community where gardeners share tips and ideas.
• Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Acacia howittii.