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sweet acacia

Scientific Name: Acacia suaveolens

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Acacia minuta subsp. minuta - Sweet Acacia

Also known as Vachellia farnesiana (formerly Acacia farnesiana), Sweet Acacia is a versatile plant appreciated for its vibrant appearance and fragrant flowers. It's gaining popularity in the landscaping industry.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is noted for having thorny branches.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acacia minuta subsp. minuta (M.E.Jones) R.M. Beauch., also referenced as Vachellia farnesiana (L.) Wight &amp Arn. and formerly Acacia farnesiana.
  • Common Names: Sweet Acacia, Huisache, Texas Huisache, Perfume Acacia, Mealy Acacia, Cassie Tree.
  • Synonyms: Acacia farnesiana var. farnesiana, Acacia minuta, Acacia smallii, Mimosa farnesiana.
  • Family: Leguminosae (Bean Family), also referenced as Fabaceae.
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to tropical America.
  • Grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11.
  • Suitable for light (sandy), medium (loamy), and heavy (clay) soils.
  • Prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.
  • Found in Florida Keys, Indian Key (as documented in 2007).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Deciduous shrub growing to 9 meters (29ft 6in) at a fast rate, though referenced as a small to medium-sized tree that grows to 20 ft tall with a 20 ft canopy in other instances.
  • Can reach 20-30' high and spreads similarly.
  • Tall, semi-evergreen shrub or small tree.
  • Feathery, finely divided leaflets of a soft, medium green color.
  • Slightly rough stems.
  • Produces fragrant, golden yellow, puffball-like flowers.
  • Has thorny branches.

Ecological Role

  • Well-used acacia in southern Africa.
  • In the Phoenix area, it is advised to not use sweet acacia as a median tree.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • An essential oil called Cassie is distilled from the flowers.

Quirky Facts

  • Thomas Jefferson considered Sweet Acacia "the most delicious flowering shrub in the world" and the "only plant besides the Orange that I would take the..."

Further Information

  • USF Herbarium Specimen Database.
  • Dave's Garden (for tips and ideas).
  • Wikimedia Commons.