Scientific Name: Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae

Common Name: coast wattle

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Fabaceae

Form Description: Much-branched shrub or small tree.

Height (m): 2 – 5

Flowers: Long straight yellow spikes.

Fruit: Seed pod – thick, narrow, 8-15cm long, tightly coiled, narrowed between seeds.

Municipality
Break O’DayBrightonBurnieCentral CoastCircular HeadClarenceDevonportDorsetFlindersGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayHuon ValleyKing IslandKingboroughLatrobeSorellTasmanWaratah-WynyardWest CoastWest Tamar
Plant Communities
Coastal Vegetation
Habitat Notes

Widespread and frequent on sand dunes and fringing beaches.

Site Tolerance

Dry, Exposed, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Nutrient-poor, Sandy, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Moderate

General Notes

This shrub has long arching branches which root and bind the sand. Bee attracting. Resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi. Susceptible to browsing by hares and rabbits.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed, Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Most acacias are readily propagated by seed. Monitor carefully as seeds are shed on maturity. Pick pods just as they start to dry and change colour. Spread on sheets. Sieve to isolate.

Seed Treatment Method

Hot Water Hot water is used to soften the hard seed case of some species. This replicates the weathering process. Pour hot (not boiling) water over the seeds and allow them to soak for 4-12 hours.

Seed Storage Life

Long

Germination Time

10-30 days

Cutting & Division Information

Cuttings are possible with “phyllode bearing” acacias, more so than with “feathery leaved” species.